THERE has been a decrease in work days lost through strike action in the first three months of 1996 compared to the same period last year.
About 1,638 work days were lost from January 1st to March 31st, 1996, compared to 5,334 for the same period in 1995. There were six strikes in early 1996, compared to 14 early the previous year.
The Minister for Enterprise and Employment said the figures, compiled along Central Statistics Office guidelines, showed a general improvement in industrial relations. This was due to several factors, including the Programme for Competitiveness and Work, the services provided by the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court, and the partnership approach emerging at enterprise level between management and workers and their representatives.
The figures illustrated industrial peace in the workplace, which in turn contributed to the economy's potential for employment growth, Mr Bruton said.