The Labour Court recommended a £2,000 payment for permanent journalists at Independent Newspapers Ireland Limited, plus a further £1,000 after a year, as part of a proposed house agreement. Its recommendation was dated 16 February 2001.
The National Union Of Journalists represented 223 permanent and 40 freelance journalists. It sought a 15% pay increase and improvements to allowances, leave and other benefits, arguing that changes in the proposed agreement justified a pay rise. The company said cost increases had to fit within the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness and disputed the productivity case.
The Court said earlier agreements had rewarded journalists for their involvement in technological change and found no justification for a substantial productivity-based claim. It recommended acceptance of the revised agreement and clarifications, with proportionate payments for freelance staff. The profit-sharing proposal should be dealt with separately with the Group of Unions.