PROTECT OUR PENSIONS CAMPAIGN
The country is facing radical change due to the incoming Coalition Government, and proposals following the review of the Pensions scheme by Government adviser Lord Hutton. These proposals, if not challenged threaten to shake up the system of state pension for up to 750,000 public sector workers, directly reducing pension benefits and increasing the age at which people may retire.
The proposals of Lord Hutton, that directly impact on UNISON members:
v To raise the current retirement age
v To alter the way in which pensions are calculated
v Increase individual pension contributions
In response to this radical proposal UNISON have acted quickly and all branches have met to discuss the way forward. The Buckinghamshire branch arranged a general meeting for all local members in the Ex-Serviceman’s club on Walton Street in Aylesbury on the 29th May 2011. The meeting was held to launch and support the national UNISON ‘Protect Our Pensions Campaign’, and discuss the issues for Buckinghamshire members in more detail. If you were unable to attend this very informative meeting, there are a number of Facts Sheets available free of charge from the Branch Office. These include: Ten Key Facts and Myths Exposed, which explain what the review findings are, and investigations into the truth behind the statements within the documentation.
At the meeting, members were informed that UNISON as a national Union are reviewing all of the Government information, which states that long term cuts have to be made in order to make the pension system sustainable in the future.
The Protect Our Pensions Campaign was devised to inform all members of the latest information and encourage support to challenge the findings and proposal of the Hutton Review. Extra personnel will be required to ensure that each UNISON branch and their members are fully up to date with the latest information; these active volunteers will be our Pension Champions and Pensions Contacts.
Thank you to Martin Cross for volunteering to be our first Pension Champions, and to Steve Belfrage and Keith Stokes for becoming our first Pension Contacts. Without the support of our members it would not be possible to take such an active part in this vital campaign to protect our pensions.
“It is time for everyone to get involved, just remember no one person can do everything, but every one of us can do something!” Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON
Contacts:
Martin Cross 01296 382646
macross@buckscc.go.uk
Steve Belfrage 01296 388606
sbelfrage@buckscc.gov.uk
Keith Stokes 01296 383063
kstokes@buckscc.gov.uk
