The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) today described the exemption of workers in commercial semi-State bodies along with those in the private sector from bearing the imposed levy as being ‘discriminatory and divisive’. TUI believes it is completely unacceptable and could even be construed as an attempt to drive a wedge between public and private sector sector unions.”

The union’s 14,500 members have been encouraged to vote for industrial action in a ballot currently being conducted.

Speaking today, TUI President Don Ryan said:

“The decision by the government to exempt workers in commercial semi- State bodies and the judiciary from the imposed pension levy – essentially a pay cut -  is a further example of the clear inequity and unfairness of the move to bring about economic stability. “

“For technical reasons, the lobby will not apply to employees of State owned bodies such as ESB, RTE and CIE, nor will it to members of the judiciary. This ensures that an even smaller cohort of workers is being targeted “

“It shows clearly that the levy as a concept is totally flawed and must be rejected. Another means must be found where everyone pays and is seen to pay a fair share.”

“We all agree that there is a problem and that the solution must involve a fair sharing of the burden. In rejecting the levy TUI proposes that an equitable tax system is the only way of dealing with the current shortfall in revenue. Targeting public service workers in State bodies and institutions is totally unacceptable and must be resisted by every means possible.”

“The exemption of workers in commercial semi-State bodies along with those in the private sector from bearing any of the burden is discriminatory and divisive. It is completely unacceptable and could even be construed as an attempt to drive a wedge between public and private sector sector unions.”