RETIRED MEMBERS MEET

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may 2016 :: RMTnews 24 Around fifty retired members gathered recently in Doncaster to discuss issues of importance not only to existing retired members but for future generations of workers. As a result there was a strong sense of uniting our generations in struggle for dignity in retirement. Pensions – whether occupational or State are under attack as shown under the New State Pension, where some could get less than the system applicable up to April 6 this year. The feeling is that many have been taken in with the result being that future pensioners must pay more, work longer, and get less. So how have we been tricked? – a major unrecognised prong attack began in the run-up to the Lisbon summit with the European Union’s Service Directive Pension Provision programme. Their documernt ‘an Appeal for Reform’ urged EU states to lift retirement ages, stop early retirement and encourage individuals to save for their retirement through tax breaks and private pension provision. It went on “if they are not reformed soon, public pension systems in many EU member states pose a threat to the competitiveness of the European economy”, so there’s a thought when we are deciding how to vote on June 23. Other issues getting attention included discrimination against retired people, the effects of inferior medication results from fee prescription in Scotland, the loss of provision of meal on wheels, reduction in bus services, the effects of soaring house prices on pensioners and the health benefits of walking. The retired RMT section is continually active not only in retired matters but also plays a keen role in organising members. We encourage generational unity with our young members section and the working class movement at large through representing our union on retired organisations nationally and Internationaly. RETIRED MEMBERS MEET RMT retired member committee chair Tony Donaghey reports from their annual conference