CE Supervisors vote to accept pension proposals

SIPTU and Fórsa members working as Community Employment (CE) Supervisors havevoted to accept the terms proposed by the Department of Social Protection (DSP) 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.

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 dispute has been running since the Labour Court made a recommendation in July 2008 that the parties should enter discussions to introduce a pension scheme for CE Supervisors and Assistant Supervisors. The offer by the DSP is retrospective from 1st July 2008. This means the deal will benefit many members who have already retired.”

She added: “The gratuity will continue to accrue for service until the Government introduces auto-enrolment into an envisaged universal pension scheme. It has been agreed that discussions will take place between the unions and the department to combine the two schemes.”

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. Many people who will qualify for this payment have already retired, and these terms will boost incomes and give recognition to the Labour Court recommendation of 2008,” he said.