Labour Court endorses Studio Eyewear offer on shorter working week

In 1991, the Labour Court recommended accepting Studio Eyewear Limited’s offer to implement a 39-hour week for three toolmakers. The offer provided five days’ time off in lieu each year, plus an additional day for employees joining Paypath. The Court said its recommendation was based entirely on the organisation of work at the plant. The recommendation was signed on 11 June 1991. The National Engineering And Electrical Trade Union sought a one-hour reduction on Friday afternoons. Studio Eyewear Limited said toolmakers’ work needs were unpredictable and early finishes could lead to overtime costs. The offer had already been accepted by SIPTU, while the union in this dispute rejected it.