Labour Court recommends pay rises for 130 Novum operatives

The Labour Court recommended pay increases for 130 Novum general operatives after a dispute over pay, breaks and Friday finishing time. The recommendation was signed on 2 March 2026. SIPTU sought increases of 4.25% from 1 April 2025 and 4% from 1 April 2026, citing manufacturing-sector increases and rising living costs. Novum proposed smaller increases of 2.25% and 2%, alongside additional tax-free vouchers, and said the regular five-minute breaks disrupted production flow. The Court recommended increases of 3.5% for the year to 31 March 2026 and 3% for the following year. It also recommended a once-off additional €1,000 in tax-free vouchers during the second year, paid in four €250 instalments, on top of the existing €500 December voucher. The company's proposal to combine breaks and finish at 3.15pm on Fridays was accepted.