Fórsa and SIPTU members in working as Community Employment (CE) supervisors have today (Thursday) announced that they have voted to accept the terms proposed by the Department of Social Protection to pay members a retirement gratuity in settlement of their long running dispute.
Members of both unions voted by an overwhelming majority to accept the proposals.
Fórsa official Tony Martin added: “It has not been an easy road for union members affected by the delay in implementing the original recommendation, and our activists have shown an admirable resolve throughout the intervening 13 years.
Our members have shown an admirable resolve throughout the intervening 13 years since the original 2008 Labour Court recommendation.
“A good many people who will qualify for this payment have already retired, and these terms will boost incomes and give recognition to the Labour Court finding in 2008,” he said.
The unions said the gratuity will continue to accrue for service until the Government introduces auto-enrolment into an envisaged universal pension scheme. Discussions are to take place between unions and the department to combine the two schemes.
SIPTU sector organiser, Jane Boushell, said: “The result is down to the unity and perseverance of union members determined to see our campaign for justice through. The offer by the DSP is retrospective from 1st July 2008. This means the deal will benefit many members who have already retired.”
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