Following on from the December edition of ‘Hull Matters’, the branch now has more detail about what has been agreed and what is open for further negotiation during 2012. The broad outlines are presented below.

What is clear is that there is now, following the day of action on 30th November, much further room for negotiation on the detail of the LGPS and how it will be run. This is a significant improvement on what was on offer prior to the day of action in local government. Our action on N30 paved the way for the government’s climb down over timescales and detail. What is also clear is that even though we are entering into further negotiations we must remain prepared to take action again should the LGA and their Tory masters fail to negotiate openly on the future of out pensions. The lesson of our campaign so far is that it is much better to enter negotiations with good intentions and a big stick than to enter them with good intentions alone.

What are the Principles?

• These are the principles on which the negotiations will be based
• They do NOT contain the detail of the new scheme or contribution increases (if any)
• The only agreement is on the broad principles and the timetable
• The principles include the core elements of the ‘Reference Scheme’ which also applies in the NHS, Civil Service and Teachers schemes

The Importance of 30th of November

• N30 was critical to getting the Tory and Lib Dem groups within the LGA on board
• N30 was critical for us to get the clear commitment to avoiding contribution increases, keeping Admitted Body Status and the suspension of the formal DCLG consultation
• The threat of N30 also led to the 10-year + protection ‘offer’ within the Reference Scheme

Read the full story here...

This is notice that you are invited to attend ONE of the 16th Aggregate Annual General Meetings of Hull City Branch of UNISON as detailed below:

• Tuesday 13 March 2012 at the UNISON Recreation Centre from 12.15 pm
• Thursday 15 March 2012 at the UNISON Recreation Centre from 5.00 pm
• Thursday 22 March 2012 at the UNISON Recreation Centre from 1.00 pm

If you would like to submit a motion or a rule change then they need to be submitted to the Branch Office by 12.00 noon Friday 20 January 2012.

Nomination Forms for the posts below can be obtained here.

Posts are as follows:

a) Chairperson                               i) Life-Long Learning Co-Ordinator
b) Vice Chairperson                        j) Young Members Officer
c) Branch Secretary                       k) Communications Officer
d) Deputy Branch Secretary            l) International Officer
e) Branch Treasurer                       m) Equality Officer
f) Membership Officer                     n) Health & Safety Officer
g) Education Co-Ordinator              o) Welfare Officer
h) Sports and Social Secretary       p) Auditors (2)

The Labour Link Officer and Retired Members Secretary will be elected by their relevant membership.

If you wish to stand for any of the above posts please contact the Branch Office either by phone, email or via the web site to obtain a nomination form. Could you please ensure that completed forms are returned to the Branch Office by 12.00 noon Friday 15 February 2012.

The Branch is keen that all members should be able to attend ONE of the AAG Meetings, if you would like further information, including details of disabled access and provision for dependent care, please contact me at the Branch Office.

I look forward to seeing you.

Yours sincerely

Adrian Kennett
Joint Branch Secretary/Joint Lead Negotiator

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