Prospect trade union have organised meetings, ahead of a key ballot of their members on the future of public sector pensions.  Dai Hudd, Deputy General Secretary of Prospect will be flying to the Island, to hear concerns.  He will also meet with the Chief Minister.

In February’s sitting, Tynwald will consider detailed changes to the Government Unified Scheme (GUS), which will result in higher contributions and reduced benefits for approximately 5000 public sector workers.   

The union, which represents over 2,000 people affected by the changes, has been vocal about the need for any reforms to be fair and to ensure public sector pensions are put on a sustainable footing.

Prospect members will decide whether to accept the final proposals or take industrial action to seek a better outcome – via a ballot and ahead of the Tynwald debate in February.   Neil Walsh, Prospect Pensions Officer will be delivering an explanation of the changes and what it will mean for members.

Dai Hudd commented:

‘This has been a long and difficult process.  We’re conscious that our members need information on the personal impact of the proposals for them.  They, and the public, also need confidence that their pension scheme will be managed well now and will be sustainable in the future. 

Prospect representatives have worked hard to try to achieve the best outcome possible.  Our members will now decide the union’s position on the overall reforms.’

Mr Hudd will also be meeting with Howard Quayle, Chief Minister for the first time to discuss this issue, and the Government priorities for the next 5 years.

The meetings will take place across the Island 18 – 19 January 2017, and Prospect will ballot members from 23 January onwards, with a result expected by 13 February 2017.