Labour Court recommends Ridge Tool workers accept pay offer

In 1988, the Labour Court recommended that workers at Ridge Tool Company accept the company’s offer under the Programme for National Recovery. The recommendation was signed on 13 July 1988. The Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union and the Amalgamated Union of Engineering Workers sought a pay increase and changes to holiday, VHI and compassionate leave for about 100 workers. Ridge Tool Company said its offer reflected the programme and that higher payroll costs could affect its competitiveness. The unions argued that the company was doing well and that other employers had agreed terms above the programme. The Labour Court recommended that the workers accept Ridge Tool Company’s offer to implement the programme’s terms.