Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 5:

In page 6, line 17, after “1990.” to insert “For the avoidance of doubt the definition of worker shall also include “retired workers”.”.

On Committee Stage, we indicated that we would raise the issue and my colleagues, Deputies Clare Daly and Tóibín, have tabled similar amendments. The issue of retired workers is real and live. Since the Industrial Relations Acts of the 1990s, the landscape has changed dramatically for the worse. The retired Aer Lingus pensioners who made the company, were the reason it was so successful and made many sacrifices for it over many decades, had no input into the recent sale of the company. Their views, considerations and salaries, also known as their pensions, were not considered and they had no right to impact on the sale. In many other companies pensioners are finding their pension benefits slashed mid way through their retirements or on the verge of their retirements. Unlike younger people, they have no opportunity to earn extra income.

These people have made companies and made significant sacrifices for them, and it is time for legislation to catch up and recognise that pensioners in companies should be treated in the same way as those on the payroll. Although pensioners are on a payroll and are paying considerable tax on their pensions, when it comes to protection and input into decisions, they are treated as second-class citizens. This is an opportunity to promote them to first class in respect of the work they have given to their companies and the contribution they have made to the country through their taxes and which many of them continue to give in their communities. It is time for legislation to catch up.

See this speech in context