States files defences to union's pension claim
DEFENCES were filed yesterday in a challenge to the legality of changes made to the States public sector pension scheme.
Unite the Union has brought the case on behalf of two of its members – Ben Pirouet, 33, and Dale Batiste, 53.
It is alleged that their contracts of employment have been breached.
The outcome of the proceedings is likely to have broader implications for other Unite members.
The breach is denied by the States, represented by Advocate Louise Hall, in paperwork that was put before the Royal Court.
They say a pension scheme for States staff has been in place since at least 1913.
The rules of the scheme have been amended by States resolution many times since then, most significantly in 1926, 1948 and in 1972, when they were consolidated in the form of the 1972 Rules.
The States say it has, at all times, retained the power by resolution passed by the majority of its voting members to vary or consolidate the scheme rules applying from time to time, or to replace them with different rules.
The power is exercisable in relation to any member of the scheme and without their prior consent.
