> PENSION COUNCIL
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Pension Council member Rolf Holwerda:
‘We're very positive’
Is the Board performing well? What could be improved? The Pension Council assesses and advises on such issues. Rolf Holwerda is a member and looks back on 2022.
Rolf Holwerda was invited to join the Pension Council almost three years ago. He represents the employers and, with the other members, advises the Board of the pension fund. How did the Board perform in 2022? Rolf can be brief about that: 'We’re very positive The Board anticipated the changes in interest rates very wisely. These changes made it possible to increase pensions substantially. And that’s great for the members.' The Pension Council also has positive things to say about the Board's efforts to keep up with trends in society: 'for example, by investing in a more socially responsible way.'
Clearer communication Does the Pension Council have any recommendations for the Board? Rolf thinks for a moment and then answers: 'The pension fund's communication with members could be clearer in some respects. Retirees sometimes say that their pension benefits are higher than they expected. In itself, that's nice of course, but if they'd known that earlier, they might have been able to retire earlier.' There should also be a bit more information for former members. 'This fund has a lot of former members, and it's important to pay attention to that group.'
The new system The Pension Council is obviously looking closely at the new pension system. It keeps an eye on the big picture, but also focuses on specific issues such as 'conversion'. That's jargon for distributing the one big merchant navy pension pot among all the members, who will each have their own individual pot in the future. 'For people aged between 40 and 50, that might be a bit disadvantageous, so careful consideration is being given to how that can be resolved.' Another important issue is the pension for surviving dependants. 'That needs to be properly incorporated into the new system. Members want to be sure their partner is well taken care of when they die.' That’s particularly true of members who are nearing retirement, because they tend to have a traditional income pattern: the husband goes to sea and earns the family income while the wife works only a little or only as a volunteer. Guide Rolf is very positive about cooperation with the Board. Because the Pension Council will have a more demanding advisory role in the transition to the new system, it will need more know-how. 'The Board has appointed a supervisor to keep us informed. It’s very welcome that the Board isn’t doing that itself but has chosen someone independent. That way we’ll be able to advise the Board effectively.' Rolf also has good things to say about communication with the Board. 'It’s very open and congenial. We often have joint meetings or a member of the Board comes along to share information. Then you know what the concerns are on both sides, and you can keep a finger on the pulse together.' ←
About the Pension Council
The Bpf Koopvaardij Pension Council consists of twelve representatives of employees and former employees, pensioners and employers. It assesses the Board's policies and policy choices and gives advice on various subjects.