It closes at midday on Monday (23 April), meaning those who haven’t yet voted have just a couple of days in which to do so.
The consultation has been running since 26 March and, due to the impending deadline, members are now advised to cast their vote online.
You should have already received an information pack and the RCM has urged people to read the documents carefully and consider the offer before voting.
Amy Leversidge, RCM employment relations advisor, said: ‘We need a strong mandate from members and it is very important that every member votes in the consultation.
‘It is also very important that we show the government that we are strong and active as an organisation, so please make sure you vote in the consultation.
‘There is information in your pack but, broadly, the offer includes a career average scheme, with average contributions of 9.8%, a retirement age equal to your state pension age and protection for those within ten years of their retirement age.
‘Please note: this offer is a full package and you are being asked to accept or reject the full offer.
‘We are not making a recommendation to you but you should be aware that this is the best offer that can be achieved by negotiation, so if you choose to reject the offer you must be prepared to take industrial action.
‘You should also be aware that the government has threatened to impose a worse offer if this offer is not accepted; so you must consider whether you are prepared to potentially put at risk what we have achieved in the negotiations to attempt to achieve a better offer.’
The RCM board will meet at the beginning of May and, depending on the result, will decide whether to accept or reject the government’s final offer.
More information can be found here and if you have any questions about the offer, you can post them on RCM Communities
here or
email Amy.
The pensions calculator can be found
here, to compare the government’s offer with the current pension scheme.
To vote online please
click here. You will need to enter the security code that was sent to you in your paperwork.
