by John Stevenson
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Irene Sweeney
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The STUC will continue to campaign for the State
Pension to be linked to average earnings or prices,
whichever is the higher.
It also called for an end to means testing and
discrimination against women pensioners due to caring
responsibilities.
The motion from ASLEF was supported by UNISON retired
member Irene Sweeney who said, "This year we
celebrate 100 years of state pension. I say celebrate
because usually a centenary is something to have
a party about - but there is no partying going on
in the homes of the two million pensioners living
in poverty in 2008".
"The state pension is worth less in relation
to average earnings than it was in 1908", said
Irene.
In 1979, the state pension was 23% of average earnings,
climbing towards the 33% that the Labour party wanted.
Yet now it stood at only 14% of male average earnings,
claimed Irene.
"Women are the poorest pensioners because
they have had breaks in employment for child care
and later in life as carers for elderly relatives",
she explained.
"Remember, pensioners are fighting for the
pensions of our children and grandchildren. We are
fighting for your pensions", she added.
Scotland's
public service union
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