Labour Court suspends Padmore & Barnes pay claim pending negotiations

In 1987, the Labour Court recommended suspending the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union's 26th-round pay claim for staff at Padmore & Barnes International Limited. The recommendation was signed on 7 April 1987. The union sought a pay increase and other changes for about 150 production staff and 20 clerical staff. The company said it faced severe trading difficulties and expected to make a loss, and wanted pay discussions deferred. The union said its members were among the country's lowest-paid industrial workers and an increase was necessary. The Court accepted that the company was going through a hazardous period and recommended suspending the claim pending negotiations in April. It said it could arrange another hearing if the sides could not reach agreement.