Labour Court recommends changes to New Ireland Assurance pay package

In 2002, the Labour Court recommended changes to a proposed harmonised pay and conditions package for New Ireland Assurance Company and the Manufacturing, Science, Finance Services Industrial Professional Technical Union. It recommended paying the 3.5% increase from 1 September 2001 and adding €2,500 compensation for staff moving from a 32.5-hour to a 35-hour week. The union had challenged elements including increased working hours, salary bands and benefits. The company said the package was voluntary and that employees who accepted the new terms would be better off. The Court also recommended that the enhanced educational grant be available to all employees and that the 2001 transition payment for the abolished profit-share scheme apply. It said a more consultative approach with the union could have avoided difficulties, and recommended that the amended proposal go to a ballot.