Ahern welcomes pension increase for retired CIÉ workers following 17 year wait
Ahern welcomes pension increase for retired CIÉ workers following 17 year wait - The Labour Party
Labour’s Transport spokesperson Ciarán Ahern TD has welcomed the decision by the CIÉ group, which comprises Irish Rail, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, to increase pensions for retired workers for the first time since 2008. It is understood that the CIÉ will provide around €30 million to fund the deal.
Deputy Ahern said:
“Today’s announcement represents a significant breakthrough for the more than 2,600 CIÉ Salaried Pensioners who haven’t had a pension increase for 17 years. I’ve had the opportunity to meet with and advocate for these pensioners, and I’ve heard first hand the hardship many of them have gone through as the value of their pension has been eaten into over the years.
“It’s utterly unjust that while pensions and pay have increased for other public servants and retired employees of semi-State bodies in line with staff pay increases and rising costs of living, retired CIÉ workers have been left high and dry. Blocking pension increases for these workers who have made massive contributions to our public transport infrastructure and network is completely unacceptable.
“It sends a damaging message that some workers are more valued than others. All public servants deserve to be treated equitably and given the same rights and protections as other workers.
“I’m glad that following a long and hard-fought campaign by former CIÉ workers, the CIÉ Salaried Pensioners Association and trade unions, the CIÉ is addressing this long-standing injustice. We in Labour believe pay parity is a basic right and will continue to push Government to safeguard the rights of workers who dedicate years of hard work and service to the State.”