How does strike action affect my pension?
Absence from work for one or more whole days because of strike action does not count as membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
You can elect to buy back the membership lost at a rate of 16% of the pay you would have received if you had been at work.
How long have I got to decide to pay back contributions?
An election to pay back contributions after strike action must be made to your employer, in writing, within 30 days of your return to work, or within 30 days of leaving if you do not return. This period of time may be longer if your employer allows. This is an employer discretion and you can ask your employer what their policy is on this matter.
What if I am paying extra?
If you have entered into a contract to buy extra pension (additional regular contributions - ARCs), to count pre 6 April 1988 membership for a surviving nominated cohabiting partner's pension or additional LGPS membership (added years) and you are absent from work due to strike action, you must continue to make the extra pension payments you had contracted to pay as if you were not absent.
If you are paying Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVCs) and are absent from work due to strike action, you will continue to make your AVC payments throughout your absence.
What do I need to do?
You should inform your employer of your decision on whether you wish to buy back the lost membership or not. Your employer will then contact the Pension Department to enable us to keep your pension record up to date.
More information
For more information or if you have a problem or question about your LGPS membership please contact us.
Wiltshire Pensions Fund, County Hall,Trowbridge, Wiltshire, BA14 8JN.
© 2007 Wiltshire Pension Fund.