RA/PG/SC 28 April 2010
To: All GMB AA Members
Dear Colleagues
Re: Proposed Changes to AA Pension Scheme
I have today received confirmation from the Solicitors allegedly acting
for the AA. The Solicitors in their letter have stated that the IDU have
reached an agreement and settlement with the AA in respect of pension
changes. However, I have to remind you there has been no confirmation
from the AA about the alleged proposed changes, and if these are indeed
proposed changes.
We are not aware that the IDU consulted their members prior to reaching
agreement, but the Solicitors again state that they intend to ballot
staff after having reached agreement. This is to say the least unusual.
Since Private Equity took over the AA, the IDU has allowed them to
employ casual and temporary labour in Call Centres and the IDU have
taken those people into membership, (free membership for 3 months), and
the AA Management allowed the IDU to represent them. Most of these staff
will not be in the Pension Scheme, and therefore, little wonder that
indoor staff voted with Management to reject the ballot for industrial
action.
The bread, butter and life line of the AA, and the public image lies
clearly with the Patrol and Recovery staff who are practically all in
the Pension Scheme, and they voted for action to protect the pension.
Again, we are seeing the tactics of the IDU working with Management to
undermine hard working AA staff.
The agreement that the AA has allegedly made with the IDU is as
follows:-
The revised offer involves two Final Salary contribution and cap levels;
a 7.5% minimum employee contribution with a 2.5% cap on pensionable
earnings. Or, an 8.5% minimum employee contribution with a 3% cap on
pensionable earnings.
This is a disgrace.
Employees will be making a choice in this ballot for life. If accepted
the proposal will come into force on 1st July 2010, with an option to
move to the Care Scheme, but not back into a Final Salary Pension
Scheme.
Please think carefully about the impact these changes will have on you
personally and make your vote accordingly.
Yours sincerely
Paul Grafton
Regional Organiser
