EBME Forums Forums Free discussion Free discussion NHS pension proposal

I'm a member of Amicus and I've just heard that our union won't be giving the members a vote on the new pension proposals.

The crux of which is, new employees will have to work to 65 to have a pension that existing members can take at 60. Or they can still retire at 60, but with a reduced pension.

There are a few good points with the proposals, the new scheme is a sixtieth not an eightieth and unmarried partners are treated more favourably.
I've heard that Unison will be balloting its members on the proposals, so why not Amicus, its so undemocratic.

I guess I shouldn't really be surprised , the union executive ignored a members ballot to reject a 3 year pay deal some 4-5 years ago.
Perhaps I'm just wasting my time.

Anyway, there must plenty of biomeds in Amicus, reading this website, so how do you feel about the lack of consultation.

Steve

Steve,

Don't forget that, under the new proposals, all staff currently earning over £15,107 will have to pay an increased pension premium.

As I've said before (and stated in writing to an Amicus full-timer), it is about time that all union employees realise who pay their salaries!

As Amicus were no help to me whatsoever during my redundancy saga, it doesn't surprise me one bit. My full time officer was hopeless, and as you say they should realise who pays their salaries. What a waste of money my subs have been over the last few years!

Why not talk with your cheque book then and cancel your subs.

KM - already have done so.

I'm an active union member (ASTMS, MSF and now Amicus) for over 30 years and still a rep. in my hospital, I'm close to retirement (next year) therefore the new pension proposals won't affect me. However, I've read them very carefully and given the government's initial response I think that the union's at national level, and particularly Amicus, have done very well to retain a final salary scheme with a number of improvements over the present scheme. Allbeit at a small increase in payments by the employees and the normal retirement age of 65. Unfortunately, this was bound to happen given the present government's policy towards the retirement age. Moreover, you need to ask yourselves how many final salary pension schemes still exist for most employees who work in industry. Where I would agree with Steve and others, is that if UNISON members are getting a vote on these proposals so should Amicus members and they only way to change this is to be a member of the union. Walking away won't change anything.
Unfortunately, over my time in the union I have seen a loss of lay democracy at all levels in the union and only if you're active can anything be changed. For example, I went to the last Amicus Policy and Rules Conference a year ago at which there were many changes and improvements to the original Amicus Rule book despite opposition from the General Secretary and the NEC.
I've always believed that the union is only as good as those who are prepared to take an active part in it. Many people who join the union are happy to leave it to others and treat being a member as some sort of insurance policy against the day when something bad happens at work. That's fine. However, the number of times that I've heard "what's the union doing about it" from members and even individuals who aren't members really p****s me off! Remember the union is its MEMBERS not the full time officers, the National Executive or the General Secretary. If you don't like it, stop whinging and do something about it!
That's my rant for the day.

our union won't be giving the members a vote on the new pension proposals... The crux of which is, new employees will have to work to 65 to have a pension that existing members can take at 60. Or they can still retire at 60, but with a reduced pension... There are a few good points with the proposals, the new scheme is a sixtieth not an eightieth

My wife is a teacher and the exact same deal has happened to them and they weren't consulted either. At least it's only the new members who will have prior knowledge of what they're signing up for, the govt wanted it to apply to all members originally.