Madam - The timely intervention into the debate on pensions by the Taoiseach is to be welcomed. The attempt by wealthy employers to reduce long-term labour costs through winding down defined benefit schemes completely or by closing them to new entrants has for too long been ignored by Government. Full marks to Dominic Coyle (Nov 10th) for setting Mr Ahern's comments in context. The trend has massive implications for social policy.
At present the NUJ is balloting for industrial action in the regional newspaper sector, where the employers' group, RNAI, is determined to close the national scheme to new entrants. The Labour Court has already ruled there is no argument for winding up the scheme. Around the country a significant number of journalists had been denied the right to be part of the national scheme, which formed part of their contract of employment, and the court also vindicated their rights.
The RNAI executive is now insisting the recommendation will be implemented only if journalists recruited in the future are denied access to the scheme. Leading the charge are highly lucrative companies such as Independent News and Media, Thomas Crosbie Holdings and the UK-based Johnston Press. There has been no negotiation on the forced closure and no pretence at social partnership-based dialogue. With forked tongue the RNAI is supported by Ibec, whose version of social partnership is becoming increasingly hard to stomach.
By the way when Mr Ahern commented that the practice of reducing pension benefits was "a tension point for workers" did he realise the Bank of Ireland's pension slogan is "Taking the tension out of pension"? - Yours, etc,
SÉAMUS DOOLEY, Irish Secretary, National Union of Journalists, Spencer House, Spencer Row, Dublin 1.