by Democrat reporter
The Labour government announced in November that it was to look again at the decision not to award compensation to the WASPI (Women Against State Pension Inequality) women.
The deadline for ministers to decide on compensation for the women affected by pension inequality is the end of February.
The WASPI women are trying to secure one million supportive letters by this deadline and with time running out, UNISON is urging as many members as possible to write to their MPs – friends, family, members, and colleagues alike.
Inequality
UNISON says it has a proud record of campaigning with WASPI women for fair transitional relief for 1950s women who are facing hardship and poverty because of the government’s acceleration in increasing their state pension age without adequate notice.
UNISON’s senior national equality officer Josie Irwin said: “We must send a clear and united message – if the government lets WASPI women down again, they should not get away with it.
“This is the final opportunity to demand justice and fair compensation for women who have already waited far too long.”
Many WASPI women were given just 18 months notice of a six-year increase to their state pension age. By contrast, men received six years notice for an increase of only one year. An estimated 3.6 million women have been affected by these changes.
Meanwhile, West Dunbartonshire’s school learning assistants are to be balloted on strike action.
According to the union there has been growing frustration with “workers feeling increasingly undervalued”.
UNISON claim the staff, who provide personal care to children with disabilities, behavioural challenges and complex medical needs, “feel their expertise is not reflected in their pay”.
