NUT: We condemn attacks on the pensions of teachers, and on our living standards
Speaking after the passing of today?s Priority Motion on Pensions, Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers? union, said:
The NUT Conference has endorsed the NUT Executive?s decision to reject the Government?s proposed final agreement on pensions. The NUT will seek unity with other unions for further action in the summer term and beyond to defeat the Government?s plans.
?We condemn the Government?s attacks on the pensions of teachers and public sector workers and its broader attacks on our living standards. The Government?s proposals will lead to teachers paying more, working longer and getting less in retirement.
?Our members face increased contributions this month and the prospect of a pension age that could well rise to 70 for our youngest members.
?The Government still refuses to undertake the 2008 valuation of the Teachers' Pension Scheme. The Hutton Report shows that the cost of public sector pensions will fall from 2 per cent of GDP now to 1.4 per cent by 2060. Teachers' pensions are being cut because of political ideology rather than affordability.
?The NUT believes in fair pensions for all with a decent state pension and good quality occupational pensions in both the private and public sectors. The recession has been used by private sector employers and the Government to attack occupational pensions. We will not allow teachers, other workers or pensioners to have their pensions slashed to pay for an economic crisis they did not create.
?Our campaign has been built on the strength of our membership, who have played a magnificent role in defending teachers? pensions and fair pensions for all, particularly through the national strikes on 30 June and 30 November and the London strike of 28 March.
?The NUT Executive will maintain our principled and determined campaign to secure decent pensions for teachers, and fair pensions for all.?
END pr44-2012
For further information contact Caroline Cowie on 0207 380 4706 or 07879480061
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