Labour Court sends Premier Dairies earnings dispute back to negotiations

In 1988, the Labour Court recommended that Premier Dairies and the Federated Workers Union Of Ireland resume negotiations over workers’ earnings after a rationalisation plan. The talks were to conclude by 31 August, and the recommendation was signed on 28 July 1988. Premier Dairies said rationalisation was needed to restore profitability and protect the jobs that remained. The union argued that a move from seven-day to six-day operations would reduce Sunday, overtime and bonus payments, and sought a wage structure to prevent earnings losses. The Court said there was scope for serious further negotiations and offered an Industrial Relations Officer to assist if the parties wished. If the talks failed, it said it would arrange an early hearing and issue a further recommendation.