Local government unions react to 3% pension contribution increase

Unions in local government have been joined by Conservative politicians in warning that an increase to employee contributions by as much as 3% of earnings could threaten the viability of the scheme. It is possible that many workers could opt out of the scheme if required to pay more and if this is combined with the numbers leaving the scheme because of job cuts, then this could pose a real problem in terms of future funding. [Read more at > UNISON->http://www.unison.co.uk/news/news_view.asp?did=6604] [And at > GMB->http://www.gmb.org.uk/newsroom/news_archive/2011/jan_2011/900m_stealth_tax.aspx

Government proposals to reform the pension system have yet to convince the three main trade union confederations – the ACV/CSC, ABVV/FGTB and ACLVB/CGSLB. While they welcome achieving the aim of a minimum pension of €1500 (monthly amount will reach €1630 by 1 January 2024), they are concerned about the tougher rules applying to the 20 years of work required to achieve the minimum and the fact that periods of unemployment will not be taken into account. With the plan to increase the retirement age to 67 by 2030, the unions are also disappointed that there are no proposals on early retirement or

On 7 August the Notre law on regional and departmental government reorganisation reached the statute books. The law will mean some big changes across France, including mergers to create larger regions. The legislation will have a major impact on many local and regional government workers and the CFDT confederation has called for a clear commitment for social dialogue throughout the reorganisation process. The CGT has criticised the proposed changes, seeing them as part of a strategy of austerity to reduce resources for public services. FO has also expressed concern about the prospect of some