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Branch Statement on Pensions Dispute

The pensions strike on 30th November was a historic day for the UK trade union movement. The level of participation in the strike by the UNISON members in Scotland was unprecedented. UNISON members stood alongside other UK public services workers in defence of our pensions in a magnificent demonstration of trade union solidarity.

UNISON members covered by the Scottish LGPS are not facing the same attacks at the present time as our local government colleagues in England and Wales or health workers, civil servants and teachers across the UK. However we do have a responsibility to do all we can to support other public services workers in their battle against the UK Government. Many UNISON members will agree that the move by our UK leaders to see the England and Wales LGPS “heads of agreement” as a basis for a just settlement after rushing into UK scheme specific talks without acceptable common concessions having been secured for all public sector pension schemes, particularly on working longer and paying more, was an abandonment of UNISON members interests and a serious tactical mistake. Unless the deal which comes from this “heads of agreement” is rejected by UNISON members in the forthcoming ballot then the potential that we saw on 30th November will have likely been squandered.

If the review of the Scottish LGPS by COSLA, the Scottish Government and the trade unions, which is due to take place in early 2012 or any proposed changes re. the Hutton Report are detrimental to our members then we should return to industrial action and seek to co-ordinate that action with other trade unions. UNISON Scotland should inform our members covered by the Scottish LGPS of the above position, seek their views on whether further action at this point over the imposed CPI/RPI changes of the UK Government is appropriate and help prepare members for the attacks we face whether on pensions, pay, conditions, etc.    

If any public services trade unions in the other three schemes decide to take more strike action in the coming months then Scottish UNISON LG Branches should be encouraged to:

• ·         help to build support across the trade union movement and local communities for the action

• ·         participate in any campaigning activities and attend picket lines / rallies

• ·         make financial donations to strike funds

Passed unanimously by the UNISON Glasgow City Branch Committee on 19/1/12

Brian Smith

Branch Secretary

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