ABU DHABI // One question that has continued to linger in Federal National Council sessions is that of pensions.
Dr Abdullah Al Shamsi, one of the oldest members on the council, has been an advocate for pensioners since he was elected in 2011.
He has made repeated calls to increase pensions for those who retired before 2008 and are paid less than those who retired after. He also wants to link pension payments to inflation.
His firm and loud voice has echoed in the FNC chambers as he expressed the frustrations of his fellow retirees, and their inability to cope with current living standards and inflation.
His questions, mostly directed at Obaid Al Tayer, Minister of State for Finance Affairs and deputy head of the General Authority for Pensions and Social Insurance, have resulted in clashes between the men.
These have been particularly fuelled by Mr Al Tayer’s refusal to answer questions when the authority board members were being reshuffled and then by his delay in appearing before the council soon after.
Even after Mr Al Tayer said the authority would work to tie pensions to inflation, Dr Al Shamsi said it was not enough. He said a solution was needed for workers who retired before 2008 and were receiving lower pensions.
Mr Al Tayer told the council the authority had nothing to do with existing payments because they were mandated by law.
“The increase does not come from the authority, it comes from the Government,” he said. “The authority has nothing to do with increases because these increases must come with a set budget. The question has nothing to do with the authority.”
A frustrated Dr Al Shamsi said Mr Al Tayer’s answers gave the impression that they were living in “different worlds”.
“We summoned the minister because he is a main member [in the pension authority],” he said. “The agony these retirees are in is huge. I have a lot of things I would like to say, but since he said he has nothing to do with it – and other things that I don’t like – then ... ”
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