Labour Court recommends phased pay rises and €1,000 lump sum for Arcon Mines craftworkers

In 2005, the Labour Court recommended phased craft-rate increases and a €1,000 lump sum in a pay dispute between Arcon Mines and the Technical, Engineering And Electrical Union. The dispute concerned maintenance craftworkers at the company's lead and zinc mine in Galmoy, Co Kilkenny. The union sought rates in line with craftworkers at the company and in the local industry, while the company cited financial pressures and offered a phased increase with gainsharing. The Court said the craft rate was out of line with industry and internal rates. It recommended raising the €12.60 hourly rate to €13.80 from 1 January 2005, €15 from 1 July 2005 and €16.20 from 1 January 2006. It also recommended the lump sum, gainsharing and a joint review of pay by 1 June 2006. The recommendation was signed on 1 April 2005.