An Post pensioners respond to stamp price increase

In response to An Post’s announcement of increased stamp prices, representatives of Post Office Pensioners United (POPU) have expressed concern, saying the burden is ultimately being shifted onto the public while historic pension commitments remain unresolved.

Pension pay parity is guaranteed under the 1983 Postal and Telecommunications Services Act, forming the foundation of the An Post pension scheme for generations of postal workers.

Pensioners accepted limits on their pensions in good faith (having been deprived of a vote when the changes were being introduced despite legal advice to the contrary), believing they were temporary compromises. Meanwhile, An Post benefited from reduced PRSI contributions for pre-1995 staff to the tune of €400 million, and for periods made no contributions to the pension fund.

“The stamp price increase will affect every household in Ireland,” said Paul Moreland, a spokesperson for POPU. “Yet the company continues to benefit financially while the pension rights of long-serving staff remain in question. Pensioners aren’t asking for special treatment — we are asking for what we believe is legally ours.”

POPU is calling for an independent forensic examination of An Post’s finances, including pension contributions, use of cash reserves, and the link between operational performance and pension funding. They argue that transparency and accountability are essential before the burden is shifted onto the public.

“An Post improved its bottom line not primarily through better service, but through reduced pension contributions, and favourable PRSI arrangements,” Mr. Moreland added. “It is time for fairness, transparency, and the honouring of commitments made in law.”