FDA sets out pensions arguments in Guardian article

Writing today on the Guardian Public Leaders Network, FDA general secretary Jonathan Baume sets out the reasons behind the union's provisional decision to ballot its members on industrial action. The ballot will go ahead if the Government fails to change its proposals to impose an increase in pension contribution rates from April 2012.

Baume says the "FDA has taken every opportunity to move negotiations forward" during the "particularly difficult" talks with the Government.

He adds: "If the Government is seeking agreement on a short-term increase in contribution rates, ministers should agree specific steps on future pay arrangements."

These steps include - among other - a guarantee that the pay freeze will be lifted after two years; and tackling the problem of pay comparability in the civil service, whereby many members earn significantly less than private sector and wider public sector counterparts.

Baume says the emerging mood among FDA members - senior public servants - is one of deep frustration and anger. "In its actions, the Government appears to be alienating its own employees in a wholly unacceptable way."

Read the article:
 FDA General Secretary Jonathan Baume's article on the Guardian Public Leaders Network 14 September 2011