Defence of Pensions and Living Standards

Conference notes with concern the continuing attacks by neoliberal commentators and greedy employers on worthwhile pension schemes (i.e. those that sustain living standards in retirement) throughout the Irish economy in both the public and  private sectors and calls on the Executive Council to take the following measures: Lead a sustained campaign to defend existing worthwhile schemes and to campaign for the restoration of cuts to pension schemes where such cuts have occurred. Promote the introduction of worthwhile schemes where none exist. Campaign for a fair retirement age at which time the state will provide a worthwhile Contributory Pension Scheme paid for by members throughout their working life through their Social Insurance Contributions. Systematically examine other pension changes that may arise, while developing effective visible responses to resist any negative changes; and Campaign for a Statutory Pension Protection Fund which is capable of providing compensation to those pension scheme members affected by insolvencies, while members over normal retirement age or retired due to ill health would continue to receive their pension. Adopted

Technical Engineering Electrical Union