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The LINK: No to flexible pension schemes !
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stefan
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Oct 25, 2005 12:27 PDT
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- The LINK-
OPEN FORUM OF LABOUR PARTY MEMBERS
AND TRADE UNIONISTS TO RECLAIM THE PARTY
No to flexible pension schemes !
No to two tier pensions in public services
The rule must remain 60 for all public services workers
At a meeting with Alan Johnson, Secretary of State on 18th October 2005
public sector trade unions received details of a final set of principles for
public service pension submitted for approval..
This document allows for new pension schemes for new joiners based on a
higher retirement age of 65.
Trade unions are asked to endorse this proposal. The details are to be
worked out in specific negotiations for each scheme.
What do the Government's proposals mean?
It means that the single rule by which the age of retirement for all public
services workers is set at the age of 60 will be replaced with two options.
One scheme for existing employees and another for new joiners. Two systems
will cohabit within the same sector.
As Brian Strutton, GMB National Secretary for the Public Services Section
said: "The protection that this deal brings to two million public sector
workers comes at a price which is to concede worse terms based on a
retirement age of sixty five for new starters. This creates two tier
pensions in public services, which GMB has campaigned vigorously against".
The Government's proposal is not acceptable.
It would be a major blow against equality of treatment to which all public
sector workers should be entitled in a democracy.
Who can warrant that the introduction of the new system for new comers will
not be used as a stepping stone to finally extend the age of retirement to
65 for all public services workers ?
Especially when:
- this is precisely what the European Union recommends when it encourages
governments to introduce an " a la carte " system.
- this is what happened wherever a two tier system has been introduced in
Europe
- In a press release published on 10/10/2005 , the OECD - one of the big
financial institutions of globalisation- states :" The OECD recommends that
" governments should ensure that pensions and other welfare arrangements
encourage rather than discourage work at older ages"
They wish to suppress any reference to a set age of retirement !
It is unacceptable.
The rule must remain 60 for all as was clearly demanded by the trade unions
at the last TUC and Labour party conference.
For those who will negotiate on our behalf the mandate must be: "the 200
year rule must remain 60 for every NHS, civil servant , teacher and local
government worker. This is the only possible basis for negotiation because
this is the demand ".
NAME /ORGANISATION ADDRESSS SIGNATOR /
DONATION
Name........................................................................
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Address.....................................................................
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Union.......................................................................
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Branch......................................................................
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Phone / Fax /
Email.......................................................................
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Please return endorsements to: ste-@macunlimited.net
Edited by THE LINK: 31 Spotland Road, Rochdale OL12 6PE.
Tel/Fax: 01706 642899 Mobile: 07901 913698
Email:ste-@macunlimited.net
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