OVER 100 employees of Erin Foods in Thurles will return to work on Monday following a settlement of their pay dispute at the Labour Relations Commission (LRC).
The employees have been on strike since April 1st over the introduction of a restructured grading system, previously agreed after evaluation by the Irish Productivity Centre. The dispute arose when the company, a subsidiary of Greencore plc, refused to accede to a demand from SIPTU for a 27 to 32 per cent pay increase.
Under the settlement worked out on Thursday, the old grading system is to be retained and 20p per hour added to workers' pay. In return the workers agreed to accept an improvement programme to enhance competitiveness.
Meanwhile, a spokeswoman for Irish Sugar, another Greencore subsidiary employing 300 workers, confirmed that talks are continuing at the LRC in an effort to bring an end to the dispute there.
SIPTU members at factories in Carlow, Mallow, Tuam and Thurles have been on strike since April 1st over the same issues that prompted the Erin Foods strike.
Ambulance talks reconvene today
By CATHERINE CLEARY and JIM CUSACK
TALKS to avert a provincial ambulance strike on Monday were adjourned last night and will reconvene this afternoon.
The talks at the Labour Relations Commission between SIPTU officials representing the 530 ambulance staff and the department of Health were said to be "at the very early stages".
The drivers are seeking parity with their Dublin colleagues. The 90 Dublin ambulance staff who threatening to strike on Monday settled their dispute on Thursday.
The Minister for Health told the Dail this week he hoped it would be possible to agree an arrangement that will ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to, protect the lives of the citizens.
He said there would be no further comment as talks were continuing.
Mr Brendan Hayes, SIPTU regional secretary, also said he could not comment while talks were going on.
As time runs out before the Monday deadline negotiations were taking place last night between the Eastern Health Board and the Army about the provision of military medial units from Monday in the event of a strike.
The Army Medical Corps has been making preparations to provide emergency services from Monday, if the EHB drivers decide not to provide an emergency service.
It is understood that the Army could provide up to 250 paramedics with drivers. However, the military would not have enough of its own ambulances to supply an adequate service and it is thought likely it would have to use EHB vehicles, if there is a complete withdrawal of civilian services.