In a significant development, a group of 78/79 secretaries and clerical officers who opted out of their pension schemes in the late 1970s and early 1980s have been granted an option to rejoin.

This decision marks the culmination of a prolonged effort by the affected individuals and their representatives in Fórsa, to allow them to reverse the decision they made not to join, some decades ago.

Many Fórsa members opted out of enrolling in the pension scheme when it was initially offered to them at the start of their careers.  Often this was because they were young and inexperienced in the workplace at the time and the decision was made without understanding the implications of it, given there was a lack of proper guidance or professional advice provided to them. 

Originally school secretaries were hired as public servants (Grade III, clerical officers) with public service terms and conditions. This hiring process was known as the 78/79 scheme, named after the year it was established. 

In 1983/1984 schools gained more control over hiring staff and the hiring process changed. Secretaries lost their public service status and associated benefits when they were hired by schools using grants. This sometimes led to poor conditions for staff. 

“In the years that followed, many had sought to get access to the pension scheme but were continuously denied based on the decision they made previously. We started taking individual cases for members, stating that their decision could not be stood over, given that professional guidance or advice was not offered and there was no record of the employer demonstrating they had discharged their obligations by explaining the details of the scheme and the consequences of the decision at hand,” said Shane Lambert, assistant general secretary in Fórsa.

While progress was initially slow, recent developments brought about a breakthrough. Last week, the section of the Department responsible for pensions issued an offer to all the remaining 54 secretaries / clerical officers who were still not members of the scheme, offering retrospective access. This would effectively overturn their earlier decision to opt out.

“This decision not only provides the opportunity of access to a pension scheme that was much sought after for the affected individuals, but it also highlights how important it is that employers ensure employees are adequately informed about their retirement benefits from the off."

"It underscores the need for employers to fulfil their obligations by providing comprehensive guidance and information to employees to assist them in making any decisions that relate to their terms and conditions of employment,” said Shane Lambert. 

There’s never been a better time to join a union, and it’s never been easier. Join Fórsa today.