Protect Our Pensions
updated 27 April 2012
Pensions latest update 27 April
Very Important - Local Govt. Pension Scheme Survey - Please participate, this is you pension!
We are looking to include a short-term, ‘low cost option’ in the new LGPS from 2014. The intention would be to enable non-members to join the LGPS on a 50% contribution and benefits basis as a way of moving towards full membership of the scheme. It would also enable members to reduce contributions for up to three years at times of financial hardship. Click on this link to participate in the survey
Local Govt Talks ongoing – Government still looking at proposals (12 March)
NEGOTIATIONS ON THE LGPS BEGIN IN EARNEST (27 Jan 12)
UNISON Members back local government pension talks (11 Jan 2012)
30 November 2012 Strike March and Rally
A big thank you to all our members who took part in the magnificent Joint Trade Union strike against the pensions attack yesterday. You can all feel justly proud that you helped to make the day a resounding success, despite the Government propaganda.
Our local picket lines were excellent with Joint Trade Union attendance on many of them. We also featured in the Radio Nottingham news bulletins, with live coverage from County Hall and Sir John Robinson Way. The March, estimated at 10,000 people, was quite an event and probably the largest trade union march in Nottingham’s history. We had massive support from the public as we marched through the City Centre. At the rally, Grace Perry (Unison Steward at Ollerton Energy Village) stole the show with an inspiring and emotional speech that brought the Hall to a rapturous standing ovation.
We showed our power as a Union and we can hold our heads a little higher today. However, the fight is far from over. Whilst there will be further negotiations in December, the employers have not backed down on the 3 main areas of increased contributions, worse pensions and working longer. We all need to be prepared for the likelihood of further action in the New Year. To build for this we need to make it even more successful than yesterday. Every member needs to be active, every member should try and recruit at least one person before the New Year. The Government signalled their intent to attack us further with the announcements in the Autumn statement on Tuesday. They are planning to smash National Bargaining, attack TUPE rights and consign us to 1% (although we might not even get this!) capped rises for a further 2 years. The only way we can fight back is as a strong union, and the union is everybody fighting together.
Best wishes
Martin Sleath
Branch Secretary
Photos courtesy of Bob Watt and members at Meden Comp.
Members at Meden Comp
Bob Watt took some great photos on the Rally and March,heres a link Bobs photos 30 Nov March and rally in Nottingham
Also some great photos from Paul Hallford
http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/pensionsrallynotts/
Strike to defend your pension - leaflets to download........
Strike to defend your pension
http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/20452.pdf
Talk to your steward
http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/20454.pdf
Leaflet for distribution to the public
http://www.unison.org.uk/acrobat/20468.pdf
You can download a summary of the Pension proposals here
UNISON Summary of pension proposals
UNISON Pensions calculator - how much worse off will you be under the Govt. proposals.....http://www.unison.org.uk/pensions/yourpension.asp
Pensions Ballot result - UNISON Members have overwhelmingly voted YES for industrial action to protect our pensions
There was a 78% majority, with 245,358 in favour and 70,253 against on a 29% turnout. Over 1 million members were balloted.More information
Ballot timetable
Pension Ballot commences on 11th October and fininshes 3rd Nov, if you haven't received your ballot paper by Tuesday 18th October then phone the ballot helpline on 0845 355 0845
The Pensions Ballot - what you need to know
UNISON to hold Meetings over Pensions Ballot
The Branch has arranged a series of meetings for members to dicuss and find out what is happening re the Pensions ballot that is going to take place between mid Oct to early Nov. Please come along to one of these meetings to find out why you should vote YES in the ballot. This is about your future and your pension!
Members meeting to discuss Pensions Action and Ballot
Trent Bridge House, Thurs 6 Oct 12.30 -2.00pm. Sherwood Room
Sherwood Energy Village, Mon 10 Oct 12.30 -1.30pm. Welbeck House, GF3
Mercury House, Tues 11 Oct 12 noon -1.00pm
Sir John Robinson Way,Wed 12 Oct 12 noon -2.00pm Boardroom
ESC Thursday 13 Oct 12 noon -2.00pm Stall in reception
Lawn View - Mon 17 Oct 12.30 -1.30pm Room GF03
Ballot over Pensions cuts
Public service workers are being asked to pay more in pension contributions by an average of over 50% - if you earn above £15,000. It's the equivalent on average of a 3% pay cut.
And this extra money isn't being used to improve pension schemes for the future, it's going straight to the Treasury to pay for the bankers' crisis.
UNISON at Labour Party Conference - speech by Dave Prentis
Members to be balloted over Pension cuts
Speaking at TUC conference in London today (14/09/11), UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, said that the union will send notice to 9,000 employers that it will ballot its 1.1 million members for industrial action over pensions.
Read Dave's full TUC Conference speech
Sign up to CPI Pension switch e-petition! (17/08/2011)
Most union members in a pension scheme will be detrimentally affected by the Government's change to a worse measure for increasing pensions when in payment each year. For some, this change represents a 15% reduction in their benefits.
Sign up to this e-petition to seek to spark a Parliamentary debate. 100,000 signatures are needed for this purpose.
For more information: http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/1535
Our pensions under attack - organise now
Public sector pensions are making the headlines and UNISON continues to fight to defend our members' pensions against government attacks.
The Tory-led coalition wants you to work longer, pay more and get less, while bankers continue to rake in millions in bonuses.
Have a look at this presentation/fact sheet about your pension
GET INVOLVED!
If you want to get more involved in the campaign just put your name on this sign up sheet and become a pesnions contact for your workplace.
Pensions Champion sign up sheet
More information, including pensions newsletters and we we need to be doing to protect our pensions is avaiable from the UNISON National website.......
News on Local Government Pensions Scheme
Facebook - A million voices campaign