An outcome at last!

You may have seen or heard the news.

Because you and hundreds of thousands of other members took massive action on the 28th we have made this important breakthrough.

Here is the report from Jon Gray, our SW Region Head of Local Government Service Group.

"I have just spoken to Nick Olgard, our representative on the National LG Service Group Executive at the end of their meeting.
The Service Group Executive (SGE) had to consider whether to continue strike action. Ultimately the SGE agreed that the Statement offered enough to justify the suspension of the action. Continuing to talk was seen as more fruitful than continuing to strike."

"The important concession in the statement is the agreement that 50% of the savings from the abolition of the rule of 85 and the savings from the new commutation proposals would be available to fund scheme improvements, including protection for existing staff. When set against the Employers’ insistence on keeping these savings for themselves and their refusal to contemplate protection beyond 7 years, this is a massive advance and a tribute to the effectiveness of our highly successful Day of Action."

"The SGE agreed that they have the basis for on-going discussions about revisions to the Pension Scheme. The first step is to come to an agreement about the figures involved and reconcile different views about the size of the problem. It will also be important to set a clear timetable for the talks, which must be concluded by June."

Jean Geldart, the Chair of the SGE and one of our National negotiators, said ‘This is not the final victory but it is a way forward.’ We should be pleased that our action so far has cleared the ground but we need to maintain our pressure to ensure a decent Local Pension Scheme in the future.

To everyone who took action - be proud of your solidarity.
If you have any hardship problems as a result contact the Branch. We have a hardship fund and a wellfare fund to which you are entitled to apply for assistance.
Don't forget that you can also pay in your missed pensions contribution that would have gone in on the day you took action.

On your behalf I'd like to say a great thank you to the Branch Activists and Office Staff who worked extremely hard to make sure the 28th went as well as possible.

To everyone - a huge thank you from me,
Moira Macdonald
Branch Secretary

Selective strike action halted. Money flows in.

After our stunningly strong strike last Tuesday informal talks took place with the employers and the government on the future of our pensions.
As a result, the next stage of the strike, the week-long stoppage of meat hygiene inspection, has been put on hold. Further talks will begin early next week to determine whether an agreement can be reached to protect existing staff and begin negotiations on the new scheme. The action has been deferred to allow the best chance for a successful resolution of the dispute.

Money Flows In.
Branches across the South West have pledged money to help with the selective strikes, should they need to go ahead after all. Cornish Branches have led the way. Congratulations to them.

But in addition to those pledges this Branch has been receiving cheques, donations of a day's pay, from members who were exempt and members who are not a part of the Local Government Pension Scheme. This impressive spirit of solidarity has been a wonderful tribute and acknowledgement to those who did take action. Thank you everyone.

Moira Macdonald
Branch Secretary