Dear Brother/Sister,
The Executive Council today agreed the following statement:
Since 27 September Scottish FBU members have been consulted on the latest proposals on pensions and related matters.
This consultation has taken the form of a consultative ballot in conjunction with a series of briefing meetings across all areas of Scotland.
This briefing process has been balanced; sharing the improvements and the areas that remain unaddressed. Both areas have been fully identified and fully explained.
Scottish members have made it very clear during the briefing meetings that the proposals do not satisfy all parts of the trade dispute. They do however include an element of €œmatching€ any additional improvements in these areas should there be any throughout the UK.
Scottish members have also confirmed that the campaign must continue on these key unresolved issues. Members confirmed their ongoing concerns around the unresolved issues. In particular there was universal opposition to any further increases in contribution rates.
However Scottish members have recognised that significant improvements have been made so far on the issue of fitness capability and the threat of €œno job, no pension;€ the improved protection arrangements and the improved actuarial reductions for retirements from age 55.These areas differ from those in the DCLG Heads of Agreement document.
In recognition of this, by majority vote Scottish members have decided that the proposal is sufficient to avoid strike action at this time. Further details will be reported in due course. The Executive Council has noted that to date no such proposals have been received from Ministers in England or in Wales.
Best wishes.
Yours fraternally
Matt Wrack
General Secretary
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