Message from your Regional Convenor

UNISON members are facing some of the biggest challenges in UNISON's history.  Not only are we all facing pay losses, worsening terms and conditions and redundancies – now the Government  is coming for your pension! 

In a nutshell you are being asked to work longer, pay more and get less! 

This is neither right nor fair! 

UNISON along with other trade unions has been left with no alternative other than to ballot members for industrial action. 

Although talks with the Government are ongoing they are refusing to bring to the table the full details of the proposed new schemes. They are giving the trade unions nothing to begin meaningful negotiations on. 

The Treasury are intent on raiding 4 billion pounds from the public service pension schemes to help pay back the deficit caused by the bankers. 

This issue is now the number 1 priority for both the regional and national offices together with existing industrial action and urgent legal matters.  It is important that branches and members understand this when asking for support.  In addition these should now be the priorities for all branches involved in the dispute. 

It is imperative that you are engaged in the ballot process and fully understand the implications for our members. 

Jeff and I along with other members of the senior leadership team, together with branch pension contacts/champions will be actively involved in this campaign and are happy to visit branches, service groups etc to speak with members.  Contact  your Area Team to ask for speakers. 

There is a lot of information and resources available on the national website www.unison.org.uk. Please access this information and order resources so you are fully aware of the issues and why it is important to take part in the ballot.  Some resources will be sent direct to branches. 

Please support the pensions campaign and defend what is rightfully yours. 
 

Sarah Crowe   Jeff Grace 

Regional Convenor  Deputy Regional Convenor

Contact us on unisoneastern@unison.co.uk