Community employment (CE) supervisors have suspended a planned five days of strike action, scheduled to commence last Monday (13th May).

The decision followed agreement with the Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection (DEASP) to enter talks aimed at resolving a long-running pension dispute.

The 1,250 staff have no access to any occupational pension scheme, despite a 2008 Labour Court recommendation in their favour. A one-day strike by CE supervisors and assistant supervisors took place in February.

Union representatives recently attended two meetings about the dispute with Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection Regina Doherty, where it was agreed that a working group would be established to work within an agreed timeframe. There will be direct input from the minister where necessary.

Fórsa Head of Division Angela Kirk said: “This development has only arisen as a result of the decision of trade union members to take a stand in pursuit of their legitimate claim and demonstrates what can be achieved when we act collectively.”