If you feel you have some time available and would consider serving on the Committee, we would welcome your help.

The Committee normally meets three times a year at 81 New Road, Harlington, Middlesex but this frequency may increase if situations warrant it. Unfortunately ABAP doesn't reimburse the travel expenses of Committee members and meetings usually start at 11am.

Like any such organisation ABAP's committee needs some skills, like book-keeping and minute-taking, but most important of all is enthusiasm, a willingness to write letters and to lobby. Of course pension matters are complex and not everyone understands them. However, they can be learned over time so prospective Committee members should consider volunteering for three years at a time.

You will be doing a worthwhile job. ABAP has already gained recognition from the British Airways Trustee Board as the representative organisation for pensioners ie we are ranked alongside the Trades Unions.

We are invited to comment and negotiate whenever any important matter is discussed. Our latest success is that the Government's Pension Protection Levy will not now be deducted from members' pension as British Airways proposed.

We have also succeeded in getting a rule change so that 100 pensioners can together demand a meeting directly with the Trustees.

The key aims of the current Committee are to

a) get another pensioner Trustee on each Trustee Board - the Boards decide key issues of funding from British Airways and the investments it holds;

b) get the Trustee Board to right the wrong of the variable pension for those in the APS; 

c) lobby so that British Airways pays enough money into NAPS to keep it secure - members' benefits here are at risk since there is a £1.5 billion shortfall;