Northern Rail (Ex North West) Section of the Railways Pension Scheme – Pension Committee Elections

My Ref: MRP 1/8/70

                                                15th November 2013
 
                                          Circular Num: NP/ 323 /13

To: The Secretary All Branches & Regional Councils

Dear Colleagues,

Northern Rail (Ex North West) Section of the Railways Pension Scheme – Pension Committee Elections

The RMT recently wrote to RMT members at Northern Rail advising them that following discussions with management it has been agreed to start a Pensions Committee on the Northern Rail (ex North West) section of the Railways Pension Scheme (RPS) in 2014.

The Pensions Committee will be made up of 4 member (active, deferred or pensioner) and 4 management positions. These seats can be contested by union and non union members of the Northern Rail ex North West Pension Scheme

While nominations are still to be announced by the RPS administrators, RPMI, to ensure that there is RMT representation on this committee interested members were requested to contact the RMT to register their interest. Currently 14 RMT members have contacted the RMT expressing their interest.

Concern has been expressed that the RMT vote could be split as a result of so many members wishing to contest the 4 member seats.

In light of the number of RMT members wishing to be considered the Wigan Branch submitted the following resolution:

“This Branch calls upon the GGC to give serious consideration for a "one member one vote" election procedure to be carried out for the forthcoming election of the newly formed Northern Rail pension committee.

This Branch considers these positions to be of high importance & believe the fairest way without discriminating against the smaller Branches will be to elect the successful candidates on a "one member one vote" election to give all candidates an equal and fair chance of success.”

In consideration to the resolution and member interest the General Grades Committee on 14th November 2013 made following decision:

“We note the correspondence on file and the resolution from the Wigan Branch and agree with the sentiments expressed within.

However, it is also noted that RPMI will conduct a ballot of their own for all prospective candidates whether they are members of the unions or not. This will be on a one member one vote (of the ex FNW Pension Scheme).

However, in order for the RMT members to have a stronger chance of getting elected (with our endorsement and backing). We believe that we need to do the following.

The General Secretary is instructed to write to the RMT members who have expressed an interest in becoming a representative on the (ex FNW) Northern Rail Pensions Committee.

Asking for an address outlining the reasons they believe the RMT should propose and support their candidature.

All responses have to be received by Monday 9th December 2013 where a Pensions Industry Wide Sub Committee will be held no later than 12th December to nominate our four preferred candidates.

Branches and Regional Councils to be advised.” 

In line with this decision I have now written to those RMT members who have registered their interest.

I will keep you informed of developments.

Yours sincerely,

Bob Crow,
General Secretary