A pension battle is brewing in Ireland, and it's time to shine a light on the issue. Today, the Communications Workers' Union (CWU) is taking their fight to Leinster House, demanding action over a critical delay in pension increases for thousands of retired workers from An Post and eir. But here's where it gets controversial...
The CWU is calling out the Government for what they see as an unnecessary hold-up in approving agreed pension increases. These increases, they argue, have already been consented to by all relevant parties, including unions, trustees, actuaries, and company boards. So, why the delay?
The CWU paints a stark picture, stating that this delay shows an "outrageous lack of respect" for older citizens who rely on these pensions to cover their basic living costs. Unlike the State pension, these private pension schemes don't benefit from annual increases, making the agreed adjustments all the more crucial.
"There's absolutely no financial justification for this delay," asserts Seán McDonagh, General Secretary of the CWU. He emphasizes that the pension schemes are well-regulated and financially healthy, posing no cost to the Exchequer.
In October 2025, An Post requested consent from the Department of Communications for a 6% increase effective from January 2025 and a further 1% increase from June 2025. While the Minister of State, Charlie McConalogue, has approved the increase, it still requires the nod from the Public Expenditure Minister before pensioners see any increase.
A spokesperson for the Department of Communications stated, "Whilst we cannot provide a specific timeline for the decision-making process, we are actively working to conclude the required approval."
Last year, the Department also received a request for a 2.1% increase for eir pensioners (formerly Telecom Éireann), effective from July 2025. Department officials sought advice from the New Economy and Recovery Authority (NewERA), which is currently reviewing the proposal.
The Department adds that the time taken for this process is necessary to ensure robust governance procedures.
And this is the part most people miss: these pensioners are not just fighting for their financial well-being; they're fighting for respect and recognition.
So, what do you think? Is this delay justified, or is it an unnecessary hurdle for pensioners? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Let's spark a conversation and ensure these voices are heard!
