Labour Court backs £10 weekly productivity increase for Irish Rail operatives

In 1988, the Labour Court recommended that Irish Rail agree to an additional £2.80 a week for engineering operatives, alongside the £7.19 already agreed, rounded to £10 on basic pay if the productivity elements were accepted and fully implemented. The recommendation was signed on 4 July 1988 and concerned whether job losses should be included in productivity-payment calculations. The Cie Shopworkers' Trade Union Group argued that 25 job losses should be credited to workers. Irish Rail said staff reductions were needed to sustain the company's viability. The Court found the union's evaluation basis reasonable and the difference between the sides' figures insignificant in the context of the claim.