National Union of Teachers Retired Teachers Advisory Committee

Report by Member of Region 4: The Midlands (George Wiskin) on the Meeting of Friday, 2 December 2011 held at Hamilton House.

The principle items discussed were:

• Thanks to previous members, including Charles Holbrook, of Worcestershire

• Recruitment of Retired Teachers: The sheet, “Retiring from Teaching?” was considered and a number of recommendations were made to enhance the attraction of retiring teachers retaining their membership.

• Pensions: This was the major item, with consideration of the Union’s campaign against increased contributions, working longer, career average rather than final salary scheme and lower indexation. The Committee considered at length the adverse impact of the change from RPI to CPI and the minor improvements for older teachers in the Government’s latest offer. Favourable comment was made about the strike of November 30 and it was recognised that the campaign will be long and difficult, with a strong need to campaign on “Fair Pensions for All” to counter the Government’s wish to divide workers, those in the private sector from those in the public sector.
• The Committee received information about the campaigning work of the pensioners’ organisations and urged all members to become involved.

• Retired Teachers’ Convention, October 2011: This was a very successful meeting in Hamilton House with over 80 retired teachers present. The main issue was the pensions campaign. It was agreed that the date of the 2013 Convention should be settled as soon as possible.

• Regional Activities: Several members reported on work in their regions. RT Sections run programmes which mix keeping up to date on union issues, filling essential roles in the local organisation and arranging social events. The meeting urged all divisions to nurture local retired teacher sections, and for retired teachers to play an active part in their branches. It was agreed that Regional Offices should circulate reports from the Committee. RT members were urged to get involved in local action such as the Save our Buses campaigns because they draw together kindred people.

• National Pensions’ Convention: It was recognised that the NUT was a major supporter of the Convention. There was discussion about the possibility of individual membership and Marion Wilson, our representative on the NOPC Executive, will take up our queries regarding the pros and cons of individual membership.

• European Retired teachers: We had a report on the work of the pan-European organisation of all pensioners.

• Next Meeting: It was agreed that the dates of the 2013 meetings be decided soon.

Please contact George (01538 385799) for further information.