Cross-party alliance

Pensions Minister, Guy Opperman MP, visited colleagues in Norwich to talk about our work, alongside the CWU, on lobbying for a Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) pension scheme.

He answered colleagues’ questions around pensions and in particular, CDC pension schemes, which Royal Mail and CWU have been campaigning for together. Play the above video to hear more.

Mr Opperman confirmed that the Government will be making CDC pension schemes possible, and praised how Royal Mail and CWU have worked together on the campaign.

Norwich postman, Graham Bales, said: ‘I think we have to be pragmatic going forward. Our pensions are not what they used to be, but the fact that other businesses are looking to adopt CDC pensions speaks volumes. I think the only way to achieve a good pension is to work together.’

Andrew Keeler, delivery office manager, said: ‘It’s clear that we are working together as we should be.’

Last month, the government announced that it plans to legislate for CDC pension schemes at the earliest opportunity. We welcomed this news as it brings us one step closer to delivering the UK’s first CDC pension for Royal Mail colleagues.

‘There is no doubt that there is a lot to do,’ said Mr Opperman. ‘We have to take the legislation through Parliament, but after chatting with a number of posties here, I genuinely believe that there is a degree of optimism that we can work collectively to take this forward.

Royal Mail and CWU agreed in February 2018 to pursue a CDC pension. We both agreed that a CDC pension would meet our mutual objectives of providing sustainable, affordable and secure future retirement arrangements for all colleagues.