Statement to the PCS Fraction from the Central Committee
As overwhelmingly endorsed by the recent Party Council, the Socialist Workers Party reaffirms its opposition to the framework of the proposed pensions deal. There are a number of key reasons for this:
1.   Even with its concessions to some groups of workers, the framework concedes the raising of the normal pensions age for future generations of public sector workers to 65
2.   The framework creates a two-tier workforce
3.   The establishment of different normal pension ages could make the normal pension age for existing workers difficult to defend in the coming years
4.   The framework was agreed without even one day of united public sector action as the best deal possible. The union leaders have missed an opportunity to win a victory for pension rights given the depth of the crisis of the Blair government
5.   The framework has potentially left local government in the lurch
The decision by Sue Bond and Martin John to support the framework deal was firmly opposed at Party Council as a wrong one and their decision to break party discipline, following a meeting with the PCS fraction convenor and industrial organiser, was condemned.
The SWP understands that many comrades in key positions in trade union/united front activity are often forced to make on the spot decisions - sometimes of a difficult nature. In these circumstances, of course, mistakes will sometimes be made. It is important that other comrades in that united front/trade union body work those in leading positions to minimise the scope for mistakes and rectify any mistakes as quickly as possible.
The CC welcomes Sue Bond's recent letter retracting her decision to break discipline and her commitment to not do so again.
The SWP reaffirms that its members elected to represent it on trade union bodies must reflect the decisions of the party and abide by party discipline; as such only members who agree to abide by party discipline can stand to represent the SWP on trade union bodies.