 |
Arena Magazine 2005 Issue 5 |
 |
Working behind the scenes for you
By John Hannett, General Secretary
This time of year always sees the big political and TUC conferences and I’m sure for many members it all seems unconnected to their everyday lives.
I can understand that, but behind the scenes Usdaw is busy lobbying on important issues like workers' rights, pay and conditions and in particular pensions.
Every worker, whether young or old, has to look seriously at how they are preparing for their own retirement. Two-thirds of our members are women, who are particularly disadvantaged in the pensions system because of broken work records or a history of part-time jobs. For them the picture can appear bleak. No-one wants to retire into poverty.
With pension funds under pressure because of stock market returns, the flight from final salary schemes, and increasing longevity, it's obvious we need to rethink our approach to pensions.
As pensions are deferred pay, it's only right that employers make a contribution. The TUC believes this should be compulsory along with employees' contributions. I think this is a valid proposal.
However I disagree with those who say the state pension retirement age should be lifted to 67 or 70. For millions of workers the state pension is their only pension and to deny them access to this until very late on in their lives is completely unacceptable.
Usdaw will also continue to press for an improved state pension.
It's clear, pensions are complicated, but it won't put us off trying to make sure our members don't retire into poverty.
Usdaw is also looking to the Government's Union Modernisation Fund to help us meet the challenges of the 21st century labour market.
This Fund has been set up to help unions modernise to meet the challenges of the global market. Usdaw will be bidding for support from the Fund, which although it cannot be used to finance day-to-day expenditure, it can provide the cash to allow us to deliver a more modern service to our members.
Finally, at the Labour Party conference Usdaw was reassured when senior Labour politicians reaffirmed their commitment to the Warwick Agreement of last year. This included a commitment to look at pay rates for 18-21 year-olds, to aim for full employment, to take a positive approach to unions, more family-friendly policies and much more.
The Government also agreed to work with us to develop policies on extending the right to request flexible working for parents and carers.
Big conferences may seem far away, but they're more important than you think.
 Printer Friendly Page  Email to a Friend
|
