Members and supporters of Post Office Pensioners United (POPU) gathered outside the Irish Congress of Trade Unions headquarters today in a show of solidarity and protest.
The Day of Action aimed to shine a light on what they say is “the unnecessary and unjust hardship being inflicted on retired An Post workers by An Post management, supported by its group of trade unions, and a Government that continues to turn a blind eye”.
Over ten years ago, a pension cap on increases was introduced as a temporary measure toprotect a pension fund that then fell short of the required Minimum Funding Standard.
Since then, the situation has changed:
- The fund now has a reported €600 million surplus.
- An Post has reduced its contributions from 14% to 8%, and is reportedly seekingto reduce them further.
- The cap remains in place, despite no longer being justified.
- Pension entitlements, many enshrined in law are being ignored
This affects not just current pensioners, but also serving An Post staff, whose future lump sums and pension entitlements are under threat if pension pay parity is not restored.
The Union says they are not asking for anything more than what they are rightfully owed, after decades of loyal service to An Post and to their former unions.
POPU say it stands united in demanding justice for all retired An Post workers.
