Society to consult members on pensions

As Frontline went to press the society’s industrial relations committee on 18 January was due to decide on the shape of the membership consultation.  

Lesley Mercer, director of employment relations and union services, said: ‘All members will be given an individual say.  

‘In addition, a cross-section of membership meetings, addressed by a CSP officer, will be held in each region and country between 19 January and 1 February.’

An initial CSP briefing on the draft ‘Heads of agreement’ that emerged from last month’s negotiations was emailed to members on 22 December.

 The society plans to supplement this with further resources to help members consider the final proposals - and the alternatives.

Meanwhile, the results of additional industrial action ballots for members in Northern Ireland together with a small number of health organisations in England and Scotland were announced on 5 January.

These members could not be included for technical reasons in the initial ballot or subsequent strike action on 30 November.

In Northern Ireland, members voted decisively by 83% to take strike action, on a 51% turnout.  In the five employers in England, the vote went narrowly against strike action on a 46% turnout.  In Scotland, where just one member was involved, there was also a yes vote for strike action.  

‘The aim of these additional ballots was to ensure that the members concerned were given the opportunity to take part in any further industrial action that might be called by the society as part of the pensions campaign,’ explained Ms Mercer.

For further information see ‘No easy answers’ on page 16 and the pensions page on the CSP website www.csp.org.uk/pensions