CWU members were joined by colleagues from the Unite union as they lobbied Post Office Pension Scheme Trustees entering a crucial meeting in central London this morning.
With the company having announced that it wants to close the defined benefit scheme – ironically one of the most financially healthy such schemes in the country, according to experts – this morning’s protesters were hoping to encourage the trustees to keep it open.
And the joint CWU/Unite lobbyists spelt out their message in a quite literal way, with each person holding up a large letter, and, collectively, reminding the custodians of their retirement funds that ‘You can save our pensions’.
In a light-hearted way of making a more serious point, two of our activists dressed as comedy ‘robbers’ holding pension ‘swag’ bags – representing in metaphor how many scheme members feel the senior Post Office leadership are behaving over this issue.
Outlining the plight that members face, CWU assistant secretary Andy Furey warned: “It will cost our members thousands of pounds in their retirement and is akin to stealing our member’s money.
“The fact is, it is an absolute outrage as the pension is in a healthy surplus and there is absolutely no need or requirement to close the scheme down.”
Post Office chief executive Paula Vennells was remarkably obvious in her absence, but Chair of the Royal Mail Pensions Trustees Limited, Joanna Matthews, and trustee chief executive Chris Hogg made a point of addressing the awaiting lobby by acknowledging the demonstration and recognising our strong message.