Call me stupid but I believe the 3.5% means they will match up to 3.5% of my salary (within other limits).

I am not giving any secrets away to management so not really sure about negotiating by myself (billy Idol song?). But if my solidarity is being questioned I will glad to stand up on my next day hub turn with a hat, lanyard, and pin and sing the internationale. I may need to borrow a hat but I can fake the words