Labour Court recommends €13.53 and €14.55 hourly rates at Western Brand Chicken

The Labour Court recommended hourly rates of €13.53 for grade 2 and €14.55 for grade 3 workers at Western Brand Chicken, effective from 1 January 2024. The recommendation was dated 5 July 2024. SIPTU sought a €1-an-hour increase across all rates, arguing that inflation had hit lower-paid workers disproportionately. Western Brand Chicken said labour costs had risen and the union’s proposed increase was unrealistic. The parties had agreed on a 12-month pay agreement, a three-grade structure and the entry rate. The Court said resolving the remaining pay claim was in the interests of good industrial relations.