Submitted by SWFBU on
1 August 2013
TO: ALL MEMBERS
ALL RDS MEMBERS (HOME ADDRESSES)
Dear Brother/Sister
RETAINED FIREFIGHTERS’ PENSION SETTLEMENT:
• A VICTORY FOR THE FIRE BRIGADES UNION AND FOR RETAINED MEMBERS
• THE ‘MODIFIED’ SCHEME IS ANOTHER SCHEME WE MUST NOW DEFEND
After a long delay and following extreme pressure from the FBU, the formal consultation paper for the RDS modified scheme was issued on 23 July 2013. The complete consultation document is available to read on the FBU website www.fbu.org.uk.
This is a huge step forward for Retained Firefighters in our long-running campaign for fairness and for pension rights.
• It is a direct result of a legal victory by the Fire Brigades Union on behalf of Retained Firefighters.
• The issuing of the proposed scheme at this time is a direct result of the pressure exerted by the FBU, including our current national ballot.
The timing of the Government release is important, considering that on 18 July 2013, the FBU commenced a ballot for national strike action. Our trade dispute includes our concerns about the delays to the issue of the modified scheme.
The frustration surrounding the ongoing delays in implementing this scheme was something that we could not allow to continue; hence the decision to make a protest in the strongest possible terms. We were also very concerned that the Government were reconsidering some parts of the agreement, or considering pulling the plug on the whole thing even at this late stage.
The FBU is the only organisation in the Fire Service that has persistently pressured the Fire Minister and civil servants to introduce this legislation.
It does appear that this tactic has stung the Department for Communities and Local Government (CLG) into action. This consultation is applicable to England only, but we are contacting the relevant Departments in other parts of the UK to ensure that it is replicated elsewhere.
The size and importance of our legal victory cannot be underestimated. This latest stage edges us one step closer to our goal of gaining access for eligible Retained members into a scheme with the same benefits as their Wholetime colleagues.
The consultation document outlines the agreement that was made between the FBU and CLG following our successful legal challenge. The consultation that runs from 23 July until 3 September 2013 will be followed by the relevant legislation.
The FBU will provide assistance and advice to members who are interested in joining this scheme. A circular and other resource material will be provided over the coming weeks to explain the technicalities of the scheme in a little more detail. We will take steps to ensure RDS members of the FBU are fully informed of the various aspects of the ‘modified’ scheme.
This agreement was negotiated solely by the FBU, assisted by our legal team where necessary. Other organisations who suggest that they represent RDS Firefighters played no part in this process. This is another example of the FBU working for its members. It is a shame however that once again we have been the lone voice on this issue.
A big step forward – but RDS pension rights are now under attack
You should note however that even as we celebrate this development, this scheme is also subject to the ongoing attacks on our pensions in the same way as the other Firefighter pension schemes. So it is vital that RDS Firefighters support our ongoing pension campaign.
The employee contribution rates have been increased with further rises on the horizon, making this scheme more expensive. In addition, the Government proposals mean that many people will be compulsorily moved into a worse scheme in 2015, as the ‘modified’ scheme is closed almost as soon as it is opened.
We cannot allow this to happen without a fight and the FBU has been gearing up to defend the Firefighters’ pension schemes.
Retained members will for the first time, be able to see the benefits of the scheme we have negotiated and will undoubtedly recognise that this is a high quality pension that we must all defend using every measure possible.
We all have part to play in the campaign to defend Fire Service pensions and I urge you to participate in the ballot and vote yes.
The ballot ends on 29 August 2013. It is vital that we all stand together to defend our schemes.
• We have won a major victory for RDS Firefighters.
• Now help us defend this step forward for retained Firefighters.
• Please vote YES in the ballot.
Best wishes.
Yours fraternally,
MATT WRACK
GENERAL SECRETARY
