More than 1,100 technical officers have settled their dispute with the Department of Agriculture, writes Padraig Yeates, Industry and Employment Correspondent, last autumn industrial action by some of the officers, who are members of Impact, caused considerable disruption at meat processing plants.
The settlement proposals allow for pay increases of up to 16 per cent, phased in over the next five years. About 70 members will also benefit from promotion to supervisory grades, and some 100 plant inspectors will receive £1,500 annually for carrying out agreed "difficult" duties.
The staff concerned have agreed to greater flexibility, including transferability to other meat plants within a 20 mile radius to meet production demands.