Pilots association strike over pensions
UK - Members of the airline pilots association are to hold a two day strike following the break down of pension negotiations between the GMB union and the British Airline Pilots' Association (BALPA).
BALPA contributed £1.25m to close the gap and agreed with the GMB in May to set up a new defined contribution (DC) scheme, extended the pension age from 60 to 65 for members and also negotiated a new pay deal.
Jim McAuslan, general secretary, BALPA, said the organisation was "extremely disappointed" the GMB had decided to resort to strike action despite BALPA's improved offer.
He said: "We campaign against airlines not only becuae they have been closing DB pension schemes, but they have been imposing very inferior DC schemes for new employees."
He added the BALPA-offered DC scheme was "so good" the GMB initially recommended it to members.
An independent assessment of the pension plan by actuaries Brendon Barber said BALPA ran a "high quality" pension scheme and the GMB's proposals to allow staff to retire at 60 without impacting BALPAs future pension liabilities would only delay costs, rather than reducing them.
The GMB was unavailable for comment.
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