The Labour Court recommended a 6% pay increase over 14 months for about 200 workers at Burlington Sportswear Fabrics Limited. The recommendation was signed on 26 April 1987 and settled the 26th wage round claim brought by the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union.
The union had narrowed its claim to a 6% increase over 12 months, after initially seeking a larger package. Burlington Sportswear Fabrics Limited offered 5% over 15 months, citing difficult trading conditions and the importance of protecting jobs, containing costs and providing for future investment.
The union said workers at the company's Tullamore plant faced disadvantages in earnings opportunities and premiums compared with workers at other locations. After considering both sides' submissions, the Court recommended a 6% increase for 14 months in settlement of the claim. The recommendation set out a percentage and duration, rather than a cash amount.