Pensions Update:15/8/08

[POSTMAN]

Please see attached a copy of a letter that branches should distribute to CWU members providing them with an update on pensions.

There is also an article in the Voice including a notice alerting members to new pension illustrations which are due to be sent out by the trustees.

The union is also preparing a special pamphlet which explains the connection between the government review, pensions and Royal Mail's modernisation plans.

This issue will also be discussed at a national briefing in September, details to follow.

This letter is to alert CWU members that you will soon receive a new pension illustration from the trustees.



This is a standard procedure and does not change the union's position in relation to our campaign to restore your final salary pension entitlements and secure an improved deal for all CWU members.



The union is moving forward our campaign in the following ways:



We have pushed our position on pensions in the government review of competition. We have made it clear to the review team that developing a vision for modern postal services must also resolve our members pension issues.

The truth is your pensions remain a live issue because in addition to our own campaign Royal Mail has also made a submission to the government review requesting a resolution to the pension deficit. Pensions is now firmly on the agenda of the government review.

We have also pursued a resolution to pensions through direct discussions with senior government ministers. We are arranging further meetings with senior political figures in September.

We have told Royal Mail that moving modernisation forward must include a fresh settlement on pensions. The company must recognise we need to work together and resolve all pension issues as part of the government review.

We are also working with our sister union, UNITE, through a joint early day motion in the House of Commons. This calls for MPs to support the restoration of your pension entitlements. The aforementioned is also featured in this month's Voice.

In September all CWU members will receive a special pamphlet to their home addresses. This pamphlet will explain how the union is dealing with modernisation, pensions, the government review on competition and why all these issues are intrinsically linked.

In September the union will also be holding a national briefing with all its branches in order to move our campaign forward.

We will keep you advised of further developments.

[BELIAL]

What a magnificent high profile campaign! Scarcely a day passes then I'm reminded of the Great Pensions Robbery. Well done CWU keeping this campaign alive ,fresh and in your face

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Yep when RMC was fit and well at least we had a regular discussion about it and hopefully now we are back it will continue to do so. The CWU could learn a lot from POSTMAN about democracy and keeping members informed.