GMB Reaction To Pension Offer

2 Nov 2011

Government’s new pension offer is welcome but may be too little too late to avert industrial action.

Commenting on the statement today by Treasury Secretary Danny Alexander, GMB National Secretary Brian Strutton said: “The move today theoretically gives us around 8% more negotiating room and additional protection for some existing members. However we don’t know how this will translate into actual proposals for the different pension schemes and it will take some time to work out the details. In addition there has been no movement on the 50% contribution hike and we still don’t know what overall cost cap will be imposed. For these reasons my view is that we would want to explore the effect of the improved offer whilst still seeking answers on the outstanding matters.

We will not be able to resolve these issues quickly or easily so our industrial action ballot continues as will negotiations.”