Extract from  

'WHAT ABOUT THE PENSIONERS'?
dated 1973
by Jack Jones, General Secretary, Transport & General Workers' Union

I make no apology for putting a lot of facts, figures, and diagrams in this pamphlet. The Government and indeed the whole community has got to understand that the case for a better deal for the aged is based on hard facts, and not just sentiment.

But all of us have to remember that it is people we are talking about, not mere statistics. The facts are on the side of the pensioners, but time is not.

All the statistical argument comes down to this simple point; pensioners not only deserve more. they need it, and they need it urgently.

The Government's October increases cannot be regarded as adequate to prevent another winter of prolonged misery for our pensioners.

The T.G.W.U. believes that the nation as a whole and particularly the more wealthy sections have got to accept that the cash must be found to give a fresh start for the pensioners of today, and that future generations of pensioners (and that means all of us) must never again be treated as badly as the aged have in the past.

If some people are able to enjoy better living standards today, it is in large part due to the work and sacrifices of the pensioners. They must be guaranteed not just enough to 'get by' on, but enough to enjoy life with. Pensioners must have not only the right to live, but the right to live well.  The demand for a £10 pension for a single person, and £16 for a married couple is a modest enough claim but it would represent an enormous step forward for millions of pensioners. That is why the pensioners organisations and the trade unions have been pressing this demand.

Extract from  'WHAT ABOUT THE PENSIONERS'?
dated 1973

THE WAY FORWARD FOR PENSIONERS
 

Over nearly three years, the TGWU has been in the forefront of the pensioners' campaign. Hundreds of thousands of special publications have been printed, and distributed all over the country.

TGWU contingents have formed the heart of almost every march and demonstration on behalf of the pensioners. Substantial sums have been donated to the pensioners organisations, workers in at least one part of the country (on TGWU initiative) are having money deducted from their wages regularly to go to aid the pensioners campaign.

A most welcome feature has been the formation of TGWU retired members associations all over the country, very active in their own right and acting as an invaluable liaison with the pensioners organisations.

 

The question of higher pensions has been brought in from the political cold. and brought to the centre of affairs. The Annual review of pensions, and a small lump sum payment has been won. But this is only a very modest start. The campaign must be taken into the factories and homes of Britain, and it must be made a massive national demand that no Government can withstand.

The policy will mean sacrifices, but there can be no better cause than that of the pensioners and widows who need our help.