WO toolkit 2012 complete.pdf - GMB

SECTION 8
GOOD CONSULTATION PRACTICE
GMB believes that genuine consultation is entered into at the earliest stage and no employer should
begin a consultation with a pre-determined position on the outcome of the consultation. Members
should not be asked to make a decision on any one particular outcome during the course of a
consultation. At the outset,and employer should be in a position to provide as much information as
possible. This should include:
• examples of the financial impact of the change on members(ideally these should be personalised
examples based on individual members’specific circumstances);
• the most recent formal actuarial valuation report,any more recent pension costings,overall cost
implications of the proposals,trust deed and rules for the schemes concerned and details of any
contractual guarantees on pensions.
A good employer will hold presentation workshops for employees during and after a consultation. Regular
meetings will also be held with employee representatives for the consideration of proposals and the
discussion of any counter proposals. Many employers also find it good practice to keep a“Q&A”document
updated and circulated amongst the workforce to provide information on questions arising.
REMEMBER: This issue will affect the vast majority of the workforce.Call a meeting to
advise,recruit and organise.