National Retired Members Committee

June 18 2021

You may be aware that Norman Candy has been elected unopposed to represent the Unions retired members on the National Executive. Below is a copy of his 300 election address which he submitted with his nomination. Norman will not be taking up his new position until the NEC elections are completed in August.

I am currently a member of the National Retired Members Committee (NRMC) and believe that the recent changes to the structure of the NEC and in particular the role of the Retired Members Sector (RMC) NEC Representative presents the Union with a golden opportunity to make our Retired Members Sector the best and most effective in the trade union movement.

Communications and organisation I believe is key to improving the role of the retired members in the Union and the recent changes will give us the autonomy and flexibility to do this. My view has always been that when we retire from work we don’t retire from life and the Union, for many of us remains still remains an important part of our lives.

We have amongst our retired members a wealth of experience and knowledge and we need to ensure that this is not lost to our organisation but used to support and benefit all our members.

If elected I will ensure the following:

Regular meetings of the NRMC (in person or by Zoom). By using new technology where necessary we should hold monthly meetings.

Minimum of 4 Zoom meetings of the Joint NRMC/Retired Members Leads per year.

Re-launch of Link, posted to retired member’s home addresses.

Effective campaign to ensure that retired members are aware of the benefits of retaining their CWU membership and that the Union improves the number who retain membership.

Dedicated helpline (phone number/email and address) for retired members.

Greater role for the RMS in the campaign’s to maintain the Triple Lock, Winter Fuel Allowance, Freedom Passes, improved Social Care provision and other political campaigns important to older people.

Full support for the National Pensioners Convention and other organisations supporting older people.

A greater role and influence for retired members in the National Union.