Labour Court recommends assessor in Irish Cement pay dispute

The Labour Court recommended that Irish Cement Limited and the Group of Unions appoint a financial assessor to examine the company’s financial and business position and help develop an agreed solution to three disputed pay-reduction options. The recommendation was signed on 13 December 2011. Irish Cement said a pay reduction was necessary because of the building industry’s collapse and reduced sales. The unions opposed the proposed cuts but were willing to discuss efficiencies. The Court recommended that the process begin immediately and conclude by 12 December 2011, with unresolved issues and reports referred back for a final recommendation.