In 1990, the Labour Court rejected the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union’s claims to change pay and conditions for new Aer Lingus operative recruits, but recommended accepting the company’s proposed shift-premium increase. The recommendation was signed on 19 December 1990.
The union sought changes to basic pay, shift pay, holiday pay and promotion arrangements, saying newer recruits had lower terms than other workers. Aer Lingus cited financial pressures and said broader pay changes would add substantial costs. The Court said major amendments to the 1988 agreement were not appropriate given the company’s financial situation and the circumstances behind that agreement.