Representatives for a group of 140 retired Coillte staff – mostly foresters – said they are boycotting the State-owned company’s 30th anniversary “afternoon garden party” this Thursday because their pensions have not increased in 12 years.

While the freeze came at a time of financial trouble, company retiree and Fórsa trade union rep John Prior says Coillte has now returned to profit and paid increases to its employees and Government shareholder.

“Were it not for the exclusion of retirees, there is much to celebrate,” he said.

Unhappy with the company’s response to date, they are now eyeing the example of disgruntled farmers who obtained a review of their contracts with Coillte after having the issue raised in the Oireachtas.

A spokesperson for Coillte contended that a plan to reduce a significant deficit in its pension scheme following the financial crisis was running until 2020 and a pensions forum established with Fórsa had met eight times in the past two and half years. Its next meeting is also scheduled for Thursday. "The company is keeping the issue of pension increases in the future under careful review and will be revisiting this issue within the next 12 months," the spokesperson said.