The Labour Court recommended new bonus and absence arrangements for workers at Irish Country Meats’ Carrig plant in Roscrea, where 235 people worked and closure was threatened. Its recommendation was signed on 28 July 1995.
The Court recommended production pay plus a one-third bonus based on standards set by the company, with an average adjustment of 1.8% to 2.0% on present standards. It also backed the company’s absence-control proposals, to take effect immediately, subject to sick pay being paid on the scheme’s third day.
The dispute arose from a nine-point restructuring plan intended to save the plant. The Services Industrial Professional Technical Union said the proposed piece-rate system could reduce workers’ earnings by about £20 a week on average. The Court urged both sides to continue negotiations on the remaining issues.