Working Committee to Be Formed to Consider Parameters of Pension Reform

Dean Flowers

The Pension Reform exercise, one of the main issues that the government and the joint unions are discussing, will take more time to work out than was initially thought. The parties have agreed to set up a Pension Reform Committee comprised of six members, three from the government and three representing each of the three unions. Names are being called as to who will represent the two sides, however, nothing has been confirmed as yet. Today, President of the Public Service Union, Dean Flowers told News Five what factors the working committee will consider before pension reform becomes a reality.

Dean Flowers, President, Public Service Union

“That committee will look at the parameters that have been set by the government, as well as taking into consideration other conditions or other parameters that the joint unions have put forward or have suggested, and then they will make recommendations to the government and to the joint unions on what will be the conditions under which pensions is to be reformed, whether – and that will include a whole lot of work, Marion. It is not simply about extending the retirement age; it is not simply about deciding what’s the percentage. It’s about trying to ascertain who will be grandfathered in, clearly because the current Pensions Act protects certain public officers that are currently eligible. The Constitution also does that.”