UNISON General Secretary, Dave Prentis, told the National Pensioners Convention rally and lobby of Parliament on 26 October that he was fully behind the pensioners’ manifesto based on rights, not means-tested benefits.
He pledged the union’s support for the fight for decent pensions for all to ensure dignity in retirement. He said:
“We stand against the ideology of this government that says that markets and big business know best. We stand against the ideology of government ministers who want to take away our pensions – the pensions our members worked for, the pensions they saved for every week of their working lives.
“Those pensions don’t give them luxury, but some basic security in retirement, putting away a little each week for dignity, so they don’t have to rely on benefits in old age. They are not gold-plated, but just enough to get by. Now told to work longer, pay more and get less.
“Our fight is for a decent state pension and decent pensions for all, wherever they work. Our fight is for a pensioner manifesto based on rights, not means tested benefits.
“Our fight is for the right to dignity and respect; a warm home; the right not to have to pay exorbitant food prices and energy bills; the right to a world-class NHS which you fought for and paid for with your taxes.
“UNISON stands shoulder to shoulder with the National Pensioners Convention to fight for rights in retirement.”