Labour Court calls for compensation talks on Astellas Ireland pay claim

The Labour Court recommended that Astellas Ireland Limited and the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union urgently agree compensation for workplace changes at the company’s Killorglin plant. The recommendation was signed on 3 November 2008. The union sought a percentage pay rise, saying the company had committed to one in 2006 and that changes at the plant had expanded technicians’ duties. Astellas Ireland Limited said the increase depended on the union accepting a package of changes, which it rejected. The company had offered two €500 lump sums in full and final settlement. The Court said the proposed percentage increase had depended on acceptance of the company’s 2006 package, and the rejection of that package changed the circumstances. It noted the company was prepared to pay for changes achieved by agreement. If the parties cannot agree on lump sums, the matter may return to the Court for a definitive recommendation.