FEDERATION
I have always believed that our pay is reflective of the Service we provide and accepted that we were fortunate to receive cheaper accomm, food, sport and leisure facilities to compensate on the demands required on serving personnel; however the balance is now not even. My concern is that as we move towards Future Force 20/20, we will have the same demands (if not more with a reducing force, but not a reducing workload), and not the same rewards.
I have been reviewing my options for some time now; this rise will not affect my final decision.
I still love serving within the Royal Air Force, my commitment remains that same commitment should be shown by the government.
Generally there were concerns over how the Armed Forces way of life has changed over recent times, and of ‘being taken for granted’. Some people have already decided to look for employment elsewhere, whilst some still enjoy the life.
I think it’s important that all the Armed Forces have an independent review body so that there is someone who can fight our corner.
I fully agree with an Independent body but they need to have some form of understanding of the Armed Forces and especially the difference between how we work and live compared to the average civilian equivalent. With the cut back in numbers, the extra workload given to each individual and the fact that we cannot just say no and contact our union rep as it's out with our original job description.
It is important but only if WE are listened too and subsequently THEY are listened to by the government.
Having met with the AFPRB at RAF Waddington I was impressed by the presentation they made however felt that they lacked appreciation of the comments and questions that were directed towards them. Perhaps because of a lack of appreciation for the tasks we carry out.
It is important to have an independent pay review body as it gives a feeling of value and reasoned consideration to Service life and pay. However this becomes a negative when the government decide to implement their own measures.
AND SOME OF YOUR COMMENTS… It is very important and the AFPRB do a great job at providing an unbiased financial recommendation to government.
But they should realise that a good pay rise every now and then would help retain both experience and personnel.
Their reports are considered and valuable.
The AFPRB has no say in what we receive, if it did then we would be getting more. The government push and take from our troops and return nothing. The cost of living rises each year and yet the government lets the Armed Forces pay stagnate. The AFPRB, as stated previously, has a voice. That voice is, either not heard, ignored or ordered to keep quiet. In all of those cases it means it has become unimportant and out-dated.
It is important, but how effective are they and what experience do they have of life in the Forces – and at what level (i.e. do they know what is like to be a junior rank)
It's time the Armed Forces are looked after properly again and receive a fair wage for the commitment and dangers they are expected to face for this country.
The AFPRB can only deliver a pay award that fits the governmental cap – can they really be considered independent?
30 Envoy Autumn 2014
An independent pay review body does not live in Service accommodation or eat in the Mess. It would be of more benefit to have a review body that has more Service experience and knowledge.
An unbiased opinion is key.
An independent body is essential as we are not allowed a union under law. The AFPRB has been doing the best they can under the limitations imposed by the Government. However, these limitations make a mockery of the AFPRB's independence.
It IS important of course, to foster trust in the Armed Forces from the general public. But do they fully understand the unique demands of service life?
Although any Government body is questionable in the way they run things... we at least have to have some body trying to be there to be the voice of the people it's actually affecting.
An independent AFPRB is vital to ensure that the Armed Forces are protected from exploitation by the government and compensated appropriately for the privations of service life.
This was the question that generated the most comments; primarily about just how independent is the AFPRB and the importance of such representation in the absence of a Trades Union.
www.raf-ff.org.uk
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