Labour Court rejects Itgwu claim for £1,000 lead-in payment at Tarkett

In 1987, the Labour Court did not recommend that Tarkett Limited concede the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union’s claim for a £1,000 lead-in payment per worker after the introduction of a polyurethane line. The recommendation was signed on 6 April 1987. The union said the workers had taken on additional expertise and responsibility, and had to wear protective clothing for the process. Tarkett argued that the changes were minimal and that training and commissioning had involved overtime at premium rates. The Court cited the company’s need to adapt to ongoing technological change in declining to recommend concession of the claim.