I think that the Unions do believe that this is the most that NATS can afford in fact i think they find it hard to believe that NATS can afford it as it is so expensive.
Why would the union have a plan B or C - if they did what makes you think they wouldn't be tabling it?? It's ridiculous to think that the union would be sat there thinking 'well if the members vote no we'll suggest this'. I really don't believe they have brought this to us with 'something in their back pocket in case it's a no vote' they would bring what's in their back pocket as they want the best possible deal for all of us!
If it's a no vote something will get implemented. A new scheme will be imposed. Management have not spent months trying to work out a solution to just go 'oh well never mind they didn't like it'. At our briefing they said if it's a no vote a new scheme will be imposed but the new scheme probably (yes i know probably could mean it is as good - but really??) wouldn't be as good as the one on offer now and we wouldn't have the protections to our T&C's written into it. So i guess we'd have to use industrial action to fight the imposed new scheme and get protection for our T&Cs.
I don't want my pension scheme to change but if for the sake of an RPI +0.5% cap which is all that really effects me means my pension is sustainable why wouldn't i vote yes?
Dan Dare - I assume you will be standing as Union Rep next time then or for the GEC/BEC if you're a rep already, so that you can ensure that you and your friends/colleagues are represented to your liking or if you don't want to be a rep that you will be finding someone who is prepared to stand that you feel will accurately represent your views?