PENSIONS: EMPLOYERS PROPOSALS TO GOVERNMENT FOR SAVINGS FROM LOCAL GOVERNMENT PENSION SCHEME (LGPS)
On Friday 23 September 2011 we attended the latest meeting of the Trade Unions who represent members in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) – which applies to FBU members in Emergency Fire Controls.
There has often been much criticism of the lack of quality news from the union movement and the bias shown against our struggles from the mainstream media. However, launched on Sunday just hours before Congress began is an exciting answer to those criticisms. Union News is run by ex NUJ Presidents Tim Lezard and Pete Murray and is an internet based system where news of local, regional, national and international struggles are promoted.
PENSIONS CAMPAIGN: IMPOSED COST CEILINGS AND POSSIBLE TRADE DISPUTE
The Westminster government continues to push at great speed to force through the various attacks on our pensions. The latest stage of this is the move to introduce ‘cost ceilings’ for each public sector pension scheme. These cost ceilings would be set by HM Treasury following advice prepared for them by the Government Actuary’s Department (GAD) and would be based on a generic model for new schemes to be introduced by 2015.
Two weeks ago Conservative led Plymouth City Council derecognised Unison in an unprecedented move designed to undermine the unions determination to protect jobs and services from the cuts imposed by the Coalition. The FBU along with many other trade unions both home and abroad have sent solidarity messages to Unison and called upon Plymouth City Council to re recognise Unison and give those workers a voice in negotiations.
The Fleur Lombard Bursary was set up in memory of a couragous Bristol firefighter who lost her life protecting her community. The bursary gives Firefighters a once in a lifetime opportunity to broaden your horizons & understanding of Fire Service issues