RMA News January 2024
As I write this at the beginning of January 2024, I would like to begin by wishing all our RMA members and their families a very happy New Year.
We began 2023 still concerned that pension increases due under ‘Building Momentum’ had not been received by our former VEC/ETB retirees, but I am glad to relate that as we begin 2024 these increases have been paid including the 1.5% increase due from October 1st 2023. At the time of writing no replacement for ‘Building Momentum’ which ended on December 31st 2023 has been agreed between the government and the Public Service Committee of the ICTU.
The link between pay and pension was only guaranteed until the end of 2023 (conclusion of Building Momentum). Any change to this link will impact negatively on the future value of public service pensions. To effectively defend and promote our interests we need as many retired colleagues in our membership as possible.
Autumn and Spring Break
In October, 70 RMA members and friends enjoyed a very enjoyable autumn break in Sligo with visits to Ballroom of Romance Glenfarne, Kilticlogher museum of Sean McDermott, Glencar waterfall on the Wednesday and to Arigna Coal Mines, Carrick 0n Shannon and Drumcliffe on the Thursday.
As I mentioned in the last issue of TUI News we will be having our Spring Break in the Charleville Park Hotel & Leisure Centre (www.charlevilleparkhotel.com) on Tuesday to Thursday 19th, 20th and 21st March 2024
3 Nights Dinner and Breakfast €315 per person sharing and 3 Nights Dinner and Breakfast €390 single occupancy.
Complementary tea/coffee on arrival on the Tuesday.
Music on one evening in the bar.
Tours will be organised for Wednesday and Thursday but have not been finalised at present.
Package booking details:
You must book this package directly with the hotel quoting 336761 as reference (no booking fee)
Limited places for this package so book early
Package must be booked no later than Friday 1st March 2024
Contact details: Tel: 063 33700 Email: kcleary@charlevilleparkhotel.com
RMA AGM
The AGM of the RMA will be held on Wednesday May 15th in the Shamrock Lodge Hotel, Athlone.
The AGM will follow the usual format: Registration 10.30 – 11.30, followed by the AGM, with a light lunch available-at your own expense – and finishing at 4.30 pm. Dinner will follow at 7.00 pm. Branches are reminded that motions for the AGM and Amendments to the RMA constitution must be with the RMA secretary rmasec@tuimail.ie before March 1st 2024
Budget 2024.
In Budget 2024 changes were to USC rates and Tax Credits which members should check to make sure retirees are on the correct Tax rates etc.
Dan Keane
RMA Secretary