Retired Members
ASLEF has an active Retired Members' Section which seeks to improve the position of older people in ASLEF and campaigns hard to redress the inequalities older people face. ASLEF believes that every pensioner has the right to choice, dignity, and security as an integral and valued member of society. They require an adequate state pension linked to average earnings, comprehensive free health care and free travel on public transport.
The creation of the ASLEF Retired Members' Section means that we can work together to make sure that pensioners share fully in the increasing prosperity of the nation with good pensions and associated welfare benefits.
The ASLEF Retired Members' Section has its own constitution and standing orders with a committee that is elected each year at the Annual General Meeting, to which all retired members are invited. The AGM is usually held in November at ASLEF Head Office in London and is regularly attended by over 100 retired members. At the meeting as well as electing the National Committee and its officials for the forthcoming year, motions will also be taken and there are always a selection of really thought provoking speakers.
Any ASLEF retired member can apply to join the Section providing they are up to date with their subscriptions on retirement and they have 5 years consecutive membership of ASLEF. They should make application in writing to the General Secretary. Retired members are entitled to participate in branch meetings by speaking and participating in debates, although they do not have the right to vote. They also have the right to free initial legal advice and other legal assistance may also be provided at the discretion of the General Secretary. Retired members also receive copies of the Locomotive
The Committee meets with the General Secretary and President of ASLEF three times a year where they cover a whole range of subjects affecting pensioners' rights. The section is also affiliated to the National Pensioners Convention (NPC) and sends delegates to the Pensioners' Parliament. ASLEF are also signatories to the NPC Pensioners' Charter (see below)
PENSIONERS' CHARTER
Every man and woman on reaching state pensionable age will have the right to:
- a basic state pension set above the official poverty level and linked to average male earnings.
- a warm and comfortable home.
- free health care treatment based on clinical need and an annual comprehensive health check.
- free community care and services to assist living at home.
- free long-term care.
- free nationwide travel on all public and local transport.
- free education, access to and participation in leisure and cultural activities.
- goods, services and benefits without age discrimination.
- active engagement and consultation on national and local issues affecting older citizens.
- advocacy, dignity, respect and fair treatment in all aspects of their lives.
Other Issues That The Committee Are Currently Campaigning On:
- Concessionary travel for all pensioners
- Implementation of the positive recommendations in the Turner Commission Pensions Report
- The end of means testing for all pensioners
- Improvements to women's pensions
- They are looking at the impact of the Government's new age discrimination legislation (it comes into effect at the end of 2006) on train drivers
Retired Members Section application form and letter
Download the RMS Application Letter here
Download the RMS Application Form here
Grey Power publication - Grey Power is a publication that is published once a year and looks at issues that effect ASLEF's retired members. Click here to view the publications.
Recent RMS events/activities
Ray Jackson and Tony West attended the SERTUC Pensions Conference on 14th March 2008 and heard about the current and future state of pensions and inequalities in pensions amongst other topics. To read a report of the conference click here.
The ASLEF Retired Members Section was invited to attend the 2007 GMB Retired Members Conference. To read a report of the conference click here.
Retired Members Annual Forum - took place at Low Hall in Scalby from the 2nd to 4th November 2007. To read a report of the weekends events please click here.
ASLEF supported the NPC lobby of Parliament that took place on 24th October 2007. To read a brief report click here.
