What's it all about?

How you vote in the pension ballot will affect the rest of your working life and your life after you retire and even when you can afford to retire.  Make sure you vote YES and return your ballot paper.

Find out why UNISON is championing this pension campaign and why it really is important to you if you're a member of UNISON working in the public sector in this letter to South West UNISON Branches.

Statement issued by the UNISON South West Regional Convenor, Deputy Convenor and Regional Secretary in response to the National Industrial Action Ballot on Pensions

To All Branches - South West Region

The decision to ballot 1.1 million members of our union on the attack to their pensions scheme was not one taken lightly and represents a huge organisation and challenge to all of us.  By the time the ballot opens on 11 October, all members need to expect the ballot form through the door and to know they should vote Yes and why we are asking them to do this.

This is not a time for emailing members or just sending them a newsletter.  Every member needs to see someone from their union who will explain the changes, answer questions, reassure them and even inspire them.  Each branch needs to arrange a full programme of workplace visits, not just for 9-5 workers, but around the clock to suit all shift patterns.  Leaflets will be arriving in your branch office and these need to be handed out face to face, not put in a mail shot or left on a table.  Our members want to know that that their union is there for them, that the endless questions they may have will get an answer and to get a strong sense that we are a confident union, out in every workplace encouraging and supporting those who choose to be part of our union and signing up those who aren't in a union. [If you're not already a member, sign up here]

To those who say that members are not anxious about their pensions, members may not fully understand the implications or even know about the proposed changes to their pensions – this is why we need to go to members in the workplace, not expect them to come to some remote meeting room to find us.  To those who say members are worried about taking action – that is why they need to see people from the union so that they can ask questions.  To those who say that the real issue is job security or the lack of a decent pay rise – a strong turnout and YES vote on pensions will send a powerful message to all employers that we will also stand up for jobs if needed and that we will also be able to deliver on pay.

As of today, 27 September, we have thirteen days till the ballot opens.  Thirteen days to make sure every member knows how serious the pensions situation is.  Thirteen days to make sure every member knows who their local reps are and how the union will support them.  Thirteen days to make sure every member knows to look out for the ballot form, to open it and to Vote Yes to protect their pensions and those of their colleagues.

This ballot is solely about the issues of pensions.  The Government already feel they have a free hand to cut jobs, cut terms and conditions and pay, to privatise and force wages down to make our people pay for a crisis they didn't cause.  This Government won't change their ways.  Now is the time to take action, to organise the biggest YES vote for Industrial Action and to be proud of our union in standing up for those who provide vital services.

Got thoughts to share or concerns to raise?  Email us at pensionssw@unison.co.uk now!

Want to get more involved and support the pension campaign?  Find out how you can become a pensions champion or contact now.