The Manufacturing Division has kicked off 2026 with a wave of successful pay agreements, securing vital wage increases and improved conditions for thousands of workers across the Pharmaceuticals, Electronics, and Food manufacturing sectors.
In the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices sector, pay agreements continue to be in excess of 3% per year with several significant proposals going to ballot in the coming weeks and at critical stages of negations.
The Electronics and Engineering sector also saw robust gains. Notable agreements include Elastometall (Manorhamilton), Duggan Profiles (Kilkenny) and Highway Safety Developments (Kilkenny) all achieving 4% per annum increases or above.
The Agriculture and Food sector witnessed some of the hardest-fought victories. Following three days of industrial action, members at Carroll’s Cuisine in Tullamore successfully signed a formal Union Recognition Agreement and a new pay structure with significant increases for all grades.
Beyond basic pay, SIPTU negotiators have focused on “whole-of-life” benefits across the three sectors with improvements in maternity benefits, Emergency Response Team payments and upskilling opportunities secured as part of pay agreements.