Dear Brother/Sister
Over the last few days meetings have taken place with the English Fire Minister Brandon Lewis, CLG officials and the national employers in relation to the 'No Job, No Pension' element of our trade dispute. There has also been discussion with representatives of the Welsh government.
The upshot of these discussions was a last minute letter (17 October 2013) from the fire service national employers with proposals that attempt to address the 'No Job, No Pension' element of our trade dispute.
This is a shift in the public stance of government and the national employers around this particular issue and will (if the process is robust) be a relief to members who are faced with the threat posed by the pension age of 60 and the need to maintain fitness standards throughout a career.
We have always explained that this is a real threat within the fire and rescue service. It is worth noting that dismissals due to declining fitness was highlighted as a risk in the government commissioned 'Williams' review of Normal Pension Age as well as being mentioned in other discussions that have taken place.
At a glance the letter looks very similar to the 'Scottish position' for dealing with fitness in the fire service but on closer inspection it is apparent that there are some very significant and important differences.
We have been very clear to government and to the employers that our members will need to see a firm and robust process whereby a firefighter in such a position remains employed within role or receives an unreduced pension.
This guarantee is currently being sought from the government and national employers. To allow this to progress the Executive Council has postponed the planned strike. The responsibility to make rapid progress on this now rests with the employers and with CLG. We shall be pressing them early next week for a firm mechanism to protect our members.
Members will have mixed feelings about this decision but should note that this is a temporary measure to allow discussions to take place. The 'No Job, No Pension' issue is only one element of our trade dispute and there are several key elements that remain unresolved. The Executive Council has made it clear that the postponement of this one strike arises from the apparent shift in position of the government and employers. We now need to address this issue in detail. We also need to pursue further discussion on other key elements of our dispute.
Regional, Brigade and Sectional Officials will be meeting next Friday (25 October) to discuss the current pension position and the next phases of our campaign. We have always clearly explained that this campaign will be long and difficult. There are likely to be many developments along the way. Members are asked to maintain pressure on politicians by continued lobbying and by maintaining strong organisation in the workplace.
I attach, for your information, the statement agreed by the Executive Council, the letter (17 October) received from Councillor Maurice Heaster on behalf of the fire service national employers and our reply to Cllr Heaster (18 October).
Best wishes.
Yours fraternally
Matt Wrack
General Secretary
Executive Council_statement_18_October_2013.
Letter_from_ MH_to_MW_17_10_2013.
18_10_2013_Cllr_M_Heaster
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