Labour Court recommends 5% rise for Aer Rianta workers

The Labour Court recommended a 5% pay increase for about 900 Aer Rianta workers in the 26th wage-round dispute with the Automobile General Engineering & Mechanical Operatives Union, the Electrical, Electronic Telecommunications and Plumbing Union, the Electrical Trades Union, the Federated Workers' Union of Ireland, and the Union of Construction, Allied Trades and Technicians. The recommendation was signed on 26 June 1987. The unions sought a 15% increase over 18 months, including a minimum weekly increase of £30, a shorter working week, more annual leave and a company holiday on 1 May. Aer Rianta cited financial pressures, airport investment and public-sector pay policy. The unions argued that pay had lagged inflation and workers had cooperated with cost-cutting and staff reductions. The Court recommended a 5% increase from the expiry of the previous agreement for 15 months. It did not recommend conceding the other claims.