Standing up for fair pensions

The union's campaign for fair pensions for all took centre stage on Tuesday morning at congress.

 

Debating composite motion eight that condemned the austerity measures that have impacted so heavily on private and public sector pension schemes, PCS took issue with a penultimate paragraph in the motion which stated: ... “the need for individuals and their employers to pay more into defined contribution pension pots...”

On behalf of PCS Cheryl Gedling made it clear the union could not support any motion that conceded an increase in pension contributions from tens of thousands of our low paid members.
“This is contrary to our policy because we are still involved in a campaign to protect pensions,” she said. “Defined contribution schemes are high cost and high risk and show a lack of transparency. They are starting to replace decent workplace schemes for our members in the private sector.”
“We must fight against the rising of the state pension age, a campaign that can be won and must be won. Who can forget 30 November, 2011? We stood together and took action. We should fight for a decent state pension, for a decent retirement age and for dignity in retirement.”

The same reservations with the motion that PCS expressed were echoed by speakers from other unions including: the Fire Brigades Union, University and College Union and the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers.

The motion was passed.

Read more of our congress reports.