Labour Court recommends pay and pension changes at BPB Gypsum Industries’ Cavan plant

In 1998, the Labour Court recommended changes to BPB Gypsum Industries’ development plan after a dispute with the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union over pay, hours, pensions and other terms. The Court recommended phased increases to composite pay rates, an improved pension calculation and joint monitoring of annualised hours. It did not recommend changing the pension contribution ratio. The union sought higher pay, pension improvements, changes to service pay and leave, and gainsharing discussions. BPB Gypsum Industries said it had improved its offers and argued the plan was needed to remain competitive and secure investment. The Court also recommended excluding transport drivers carrying finished goods from the new pay structures, with fleet costs to be addressed separately. Its recommendation was signed on 27 May 1998.