More than 4,000 days were lost to industrial disputes last year, according to new figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).
During 2008, 12 industrial disputes took place resulting in the loss of 4,179 days. This compares with 6,038 days lost in 2007 when six industrial disputes took place.
The industrial disputes which occurred in 2008 affected 356 workers at ten firms.
The manufacturing sector accounted for 2,051 of the total days lost, while the services sector was responsible for 954 lost days.
During the fourth quarter 1,397 days were lost due to industrial disputes at four companies which involved a total of 99 works.
This compares with 3,941 days lost during the fourth quarter of 2007.
