Labour Court defers clerical bonus scheme at Smurfit

In 1988, the Labour Court recommended that Smurfit Corrugated Cases Limited defer a bonus scheme for clerical staff, following its dispute with Irish Transport And General Workers' Union. The recommendation was signed on 8 January 1988. The union sought a scheme after clerical staff lost their bonus in a 1983 rationalisation. It argued a proposal could fund payments without increasing company costs, and cited bonuses of £55 to £75 a week for some process workers. The company said its financial position prevented it from funding a scheme unless it was self-financing. The Court said a scheme should be introduced but did not recommend one at that time. It recommended that the sub-committee reconvene in June 1988 to review the company's financial position.