Yesterday a meeting was held between Unite, SIPTU and AXA management in relation to the health of the AXA Ireland Defined Benefit Pension Scheme. As most members are no doubt aware, the scheme is in serious deficit as a result of the collapse on the financial markets and the slow return to growth.

The company have agreed to increase their contributions to the scheme as part of a recovery plan and have outlined a plan to return the scheme to full funding by March 2016. This plan was outlined to the unions, just over a week ago and the meeting yesterday was held to answer the questions the unions had about how the scheme would work and the implications for staff.

All of our questions were answered by the management to our satisfaction. The increased funding of the scheme is being undertaken by the company using a release from their investment portfolio. This plan has been approved by the Board of trustees, the shareholders and the Pensions Board.

Unite members have asked for details as to the state of negotiations in respect of pension scheme arrangements for AXA employees that are transferring to Friends Life. Unite can confirm that as yet no actual pension offer has been put to the union for consideration.

When formal proposals are received, Unite will then seek to analyse them (and the supporting data) with a view to consulting with Unite members, possibly including a ballot.

One of the requests that Unite have put to Friends and AXA is that transitional pension arrangements are agreed to be put in place for a suitable period following the sale (date now estimated as 7th September).

Even at this late stage it is most important to get issues such as pension provision right, so Unite are not intending to rush into agreeing any proposal received as a “done deal” by the transaction completion date.

Unite in AXA reps from Belfast and Dublin met with National union reps yesterday and the situation in relation to the Derry Service Centre operation was again discussed.

The operation of a low cost non-union premises is not acceptable. The Derry operation serves to undermine the position of staff in Ireland, both North and South, as there is always a low cost alternative to members jobs. This represents a threat to job security either side of the border.

All agreed on a course of action to try and remedy this situation by bringing Unite representation to the Derry operation. By doing so, we can address the contract differences between the operations and forestall any attempts by the company to use Derry as a threat to drive changes in terms and conditions throughout the island of Ireland.

Click here to read the latest Unite in AXA newsletter on the subject of the transfer of AXA Sun Life Services to Friends Life.

We are occasionally asked by members how to opt out of paying the political fund levy as they do not wish to donate any of their membership fee to any particular political party (normally the Labour party from a union perspective as they are regarded as being more supportive of workers rights).

The political fund is required by law to enable the union to campaign and lobby on political issues. You may ask why the union should be involved in politics, but the definition includes all the legislation on equal rights, working hours, health & safety, maternity, employment law etc., passed by Parliament. Without the levy the union could not attempt to influence the political process to make sure the appropriate legislation is in place to protect working members like yourself.

Regardless of this, whether union members chose to contribute (or not) to the political levy is entirely up to them. New members will receive an opt-out form in their new joiners pack to allow them not to contribute. Members who where members of unions such as Unifi before they merged into Amicus then subsequently Unite, will automatically have been “opted out”, however if you wish to make doubly sure please contact your local regional office and ask them to check your records.

Click here to read the latest Unite in AXA newsletter on the use of social networking sites outside work and the issues that can impact employees doing so.

Click here to read the latest Unite in AXA newsletter on the sale of the AXA Life operations to Friends Provident.