Labour Court recommends Wellman International staffing changes

In 1996, the Labour Court recommended changes in a dispute between Wellman International Limited and Services Industrial Professional Technical Union over staffing, warehouse shifts and job enrichment. The company, in Mullagh, Kells, Co Meath, employed about 460 people producing nylon and polyester fibre. The union raised staffing, safety, shift-transfer and earnings concerns; the company said the proposed changes were necessary. The Court considered 17 operatives reasonable in spinning and finishing, while recommending discussion about extra resources in some circumstances. It could not adjudicate on safety issues in sorting and preparation and recommended renewed discussions with NIFAST consultants. It recommended accepting the company's proposal to reduce warehouse shift staffing from nine to eight. The parties were to agree compensation for earnings loss, with a further Court recommendation if they could not agree, and discuss other issues subject to agreement. The recommendation was dated 9 May 1996.