Submitted by SWFBU on
TO: ALL MEMBERS
Dear Brother/Sister
PENSIONS - UPDATE
Since the last update there have been several developments in relation to our ongoing campaign and dispute over pensions.
Update on Northern Ireland
The most encouraging development relates to the position in Northern Ireland in relation to the Public Service Pension Bill. You will be aware that despite our lobbying and campaigning the Public Service Pensions Act was passed in Westminster in 2013. This act applied to England, Scotland and Wales. It set many of Government’s pension proposals into law including imposing a Normal Pension Age of 60 for Firefighters. The FBU had attempted to amend this position but unfortunately our suggested amendment did not receive the political support required. Significantly, Northern Ireland was not covered by this Act and a separate legislative process provided us with another opportunity to attempt to amend the legislation.
This campaign has included a presentation by National and Regional Officials to the Finance Committee of the Northern Ireland Assembly as well as dialogue and lobbying of Northern Ireland politicians of all parties. Last week an amendment on the issue of Firefighters’ pension age was supported by the Northern Ireland Assembly. This amendment means that the legal position for FPS/NFPS members in Northern Ireland is quite different to that for members in England, Scotland and Wales.
It is important to be clear that this does not set a lower NPA than elsewhere but it does allow the scheme regulations to take a more flexible approach in writing the scheme rules applicable to Firefighters in Northern Ireland. Over the coming weeks we will be working on ways of ensuring that we can maximise the impact of this flexibility. What is of particular note is that the politicians of all parties, acknowledged the strength of the evidence presented by the FBU on behalf of our members on the issue of pension age. One key task facing all of us is to demand a similar approach (i.e. listening to the evidence) from politicians in the rest of the UK.
Consultation on Employee Contributions
The proposed contribution increases for 2014 are known for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The proposal is to apply the full increase of 1.3% FPS and 0.8% NFPS for Firefighters earning between £21,000 and £30,000 with higher tiered contributions for higher earners. The Scottish Government has so far not formally proposed this although they are expected to follow suit very shortly.
This is an extremely disappointing proposal which ignores many of the outstanding concerns we have presented showing that Firefighters are simply being priced out of their pension schemes.
The consultation for England has closed and the Union has submitted a detailed response which is available to read on the FBU website www.fbu.org.uk . The consultations for Northern Ireland and Wales close shortly and a similar response will be submitted by the Union.
Consultation on 2015 Pension Scheme
A further consultation on the 2015 scheme has opened in England. This sets out the scheme specifics and legislation and is due to close on 12 March. The FBU is preparing a response to this formally highlighting our ongoing concerns. This is likely to be a very detailed process and will require considerable effort and attention as well as significant legal advice. We shall issue further information as this proceeds including any significant obstacles identified.
YouGov Survey
During December 2013 FBU members took part in a YouGov survey in relation to the proposals for Firefighter pensions. The raw data from this survey has been made available to Head Office and was used to evidence our concerns in relation to the contribution increase proposals. A report is currently being prepared by YouGov and will shortly be made available to FBU members. Once finalised, the report will be made available on the Union’s website and through Brigade Officials.
Legal Update
We are still exploring all legal challenges in relation to the Governments’ pension proposals. Some of these challenges have arisen from recent events and may require further discussion and specialist legal advice. This is currently being arranged while some are already being progressed. It is too early to judge the prospect of being successful in any of these but members can be assured that we are leaving no stone unturned in this. Once any specific challenges are identified and registered, further information will be provided to members.
Talks
The Union is still involved with talks with the English Fire Minister (DCLG) and both sides are currently utilising professional actuarial advice to explore some particular areas. Meetings have been scheduled for 22 and 28 January where these will be discussed further. Executive Council meetings have also been scheduled following these meetings so that the negotiation team can report any developments as soon as possible. The Union is also attempting to progress the No Job No Pension element of the dispute with Government officials in England, Wales and Scotland as well as with the National Fire Service Employers. The FBU position is clear that the best way of getting the guarantee that Firefighters need would be by means of a regulation under the pension scheme to specifically address this concern. This will also be a focal point of all the meetings.
Members should be aware that all aspects of our dispute remain under discussion. We continue to explore every possible avenue to challenge these outrageous attacks on our pensions. These may include legal or political routes or, of course, further industrial action.
Next Steps
The current proposals remain unacceptable and still point to a pension scheme which is unworkable, unaffordable, unsustainable and unfair. As our Conference agreed, we will explore any and every opportunity to make progress and to seek improvements to the Government’s proposals. However, we fully accept that these may bear no fruit and recognise that there is a real possibility of further strike action being necessary. We do not want to prejudge the outcome of any discussions but members must also be prepared for this possibility and should continue to make arrangements and hold strike committee meetings.
We are still facing the prospect of a further increase in employee contributions and have stepped up our political pressure including laying an Early Day Motion 946 and writing to all MPs asking for their support. You have a role to play in this and members are being encouraged to lobby their local MP. The situation in Northern Ireland is yet another example of how political lobbying can influence decisions.
A Campaign for Everyone
The issues at stake in this campaign are extremely serious for all existing members and for the future of our pensions and our Service. We will never give up campaigning for decent pensions which reflect the occupation our members undertake.
In this campaign there is a part for everyone. Many FBU members have made a powerful impact by lobbying local politicians. That has had a significant effect in Northern Ireland. Writing to, emailing or speaking to politicians is something everyone can do. Please encourage members to engage in this activity.
All Branches are asked to:
· Ensure all members remain informed about developments.
· Flag up questions and ensure they are passed up through local officials.
· Make use of all sources of information; circulars, FBU website, FBU videos etc.
· Organise local lobbying events.
· Invite MPs, AMs, MSPs to the workplace to listen to your concerns.
· Engage with local communities, trade union, tenants groups etc. to explain our case.
· Ensure any further strike action is locally planned and active so that local people and the local media understand what we are doing and why
Thank you for all your efforts so far.
Best wishes.
Yours fraternally
MATTWRACK
GENERAL SECRETARY
