Labour Court rejects Waterford Crystal workers’ £4,000 skills payment claim

The Labour Court did not recommend concession of the National Engineering & Electrical Trade Union and Electrical Trades Union claim for compensation for workers whose skills were upgraded after Waterford Crystal Limited converted to natural gas. The recommendation was signed on 26 May 1987. The unions sought a one-off payment of £4,000 per annum for 20 fitters, five electricians, four carpenters and one painter. The Court considered the skills already within the level of competence and skill for which the craftsmen were paid.