Call for Mayo workers to mobilise to reverse pension changes

A CALL has been issued to Mayo workers to mobilise in order to restore the State retirement pension age to 65.

It was made at a protest meeting in Castlebar today to highlight public opposition to government plans to restrict pension payments to people until their are 67 next year and 68 by the year 2028, the current age at which workers qualify for a pension being 66.

Although the event attracted a relatively small attendance to Market Square, it was clear the issue is an emotive one for many people who have worked hard all their lives.

Addressing the meeting, the organiser Joe Daly, who is running as a Solidarity - People Before Profit candidate in the Mayo constituency in next month's general election, stated: “What's happening to workers is both unfair and unjust.

“Workers are far more productive now, creating far more wealth and value than ever before in Irish society.

“We are far above the EU rates of productivity, yet we are facing another increase in our pension age.

“The argument being presented at government level is that pensions are unsustainable. But what is unjustified and unsustainable is issues like banks not being taxed on their profits.

“We also have huge levels of tax evasion in this country, ongoing investment in offshore accounts, vulture funds going tax free, big corporations using tax loopholes,.

“And, yet, while all this goes on, ordinary workers are expected to accept cuts to their wages and pensions.”

Mr. Daly said when the French government sought to bring the pension age to 64, workers mobilised and brought it back to 62.

“That is what we need to do and we now have the opportunity to make a statement through the ballot box, as well as on the streets and the workplace.

“If our government get away with it is doing now, it will not be stopped. In effect, it will cost people an average of €13,000 a year.

“As a result of the situation, people in Mayo are being forced to go back to work as a result.

“This legislation was introduced in 2010 by a Fianna Fáil-led government and was subsequently enacted by a Fine Gael-led government

“If we don't break this cycle, and trade unions have a big role to play in this, then we will never protect our pensions, pay and conditions.”

Sinn Fein Senator Rose Conway-Walsh said her party recognises the increase in the pension age to 66 has already led to grave inequality and that will become worse in the coming years when the pension age rises to 67 and 68.

She stated: “We want it reduced back to 65 and that's what Sinn Féin would do in government. People have worked all their life and rightly looked forward to their pension entitlements.

“It's grossly wrong now to say you have work work to 66, 67 and 68 before getting that pension. We will introduce legislation to stop it happening.

“Our commitment is that you will be entitled to a State pension at 65 and that workers have the choice if you want to continue working. I have also spoken to farmers who fear they are entitled to nothing.

“All of these cuts were brought in by Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil-led governments. The public need to stop voting against them in their own best interests.

“I detect a movement for change in Mayo and this gives me great hope. Vote for the parties who will stand up and fight for the people.”