THE NUMBER of days lost to industrial disputes in the second quarter fell by more than half compared to the same three-month period a year earlier.
According to new figures from the Central Statistics Office, 1,324 days were lost as a result of industrial action from June to August, as against 3,289 days for the second quarter of 2009.
Overall, there were three workplace disputes during the period under review. These involved 24 workers at three firms, one of which was in the wholesale and retail sector, and two in the administrative and support services sector.
One of the disputes had continued from the preceding quarter, while two began during the third quarter.
During the same three-month period a year earlier, six industrial disputes took place involving 1,496 workers.
In the first quarter of this year, eight disputes involved 330 employees.
In the first six months of the year, a total of 5,541 days were lost to 10 disputes involving 340 workers.
Last year the number of days lost to industrial disputes rose significantly.
During 2009 there were 329,706 days lost as a result of action taken by employees, compared to 4,179 days a year earlier.
