Labour Court recommends two-month cut to Tarkett pay agreement

In 1986, the Labour Court recommended reducing the duration of the pay agreement between Tarkett Limited and the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union by two months, so its second phase would end on 30 September 1987. The recommendation was signed on 13 November 1986. The union's claim covered pay and improved conditions for about 100 clerical, technical and general workers employed by Tarkett Limited in Mullingar. Workers had rejected negotiated terms that included phased increases of 5% and 4% over an 18-month agreement. The union argued the agreement ran too long and inflation could erode purchasing power. Tarkett Limited said it could make no further offer and needed to control costs and remain competitive. The Court considered the negotiated package fair and reasonable while recommending the shorter duration.