FDA gives pensions warning to Government

A provisional decision to ballot members on possible industrial action if the Government fails to change its proposed imposition of a pensions contributions increase from 2012, was taken yesterday by the FDA's Executive Committee.

Also yesterday, other civil service union Prospect took a similar decision and both unions released a joint statement.

FDA General Secretary Jonathan Baume said: "The Executive Committee did not take this decision lightly. The FDA is a union for a deserved reputation for being prepared to engage and negotiate on the most difficult issues that face our members."

He added that the Government's wish to impose the contributions increase "is nothing more than a levy [which is] in effect a tax on public servants for the next three years". He said it "would do nothing to maintain the sustainability of pensions".

"There is no doubt that the country faces significant economic problems, but our members are being asked to pay too high a price for the failings of others."

The FDA has taken part in series of ministerial-level meetings, and meetings within the civil service, to seek a negotiated settlement that its members would be willing to support.

Baume said: "We have taken every opportunity to move negotiations forward. Unfortunately, we are making very little meaningful progress."

The timing and exact form of any industrial action is to be confirmed after discussions with other public sector unions through the TUC.