Thousands of low-income pensioners are being negatively impacted by the stalled easing of the 12 per cent actuarial reduction applied to pensions for those retiring at 63, trade union Deok said on Thursday, calling for the immediate resumption of talks between the labour ministry and social partners.

In a statement, Deok noted that “unfortunately, this important issue has been stalled in recent months, despite growing public expectations that it was on track to be resolved.”

The union urged the labour minister “to immediately resume dialogue with the aim of reaching a positive resolution, with retroactive effect.”

The sum the government is proposing – based on the improved proposal in the summer of 2024 – is for an easing of €60 per month amounting to €780 per year, which Deok said was “a breath of fresh air for many households and especially for low-income pensioners who are experiencing very negative and difficult conditions amid high prices, even on basic goods, as well as high inflation.”

The union also stressed that many pensioners are living at or below the poverty line, a fact that should compel the government, and particularly the labour ministry, to prioritise the issue.

Deok reiterated its longstanding opposition to the actuarial reduction for those choosing to retire at 63, arguing that the measure was imposed unilaterally during the 2013 bailout without any consultation with social partners.