Employment & Industrial Relations

• Eli Lilly plans to invest up to €400m in a multi-phase programme, to establish a biopharmaceuticals manufacturing facility at its existing site in Dunderrow, Kinsale, Co. Cork. The investment, supported by IDA Ireland, will create up to 200 jobs in the next five years; 400 staff are currently employed at Dunderrow. The new facility will produce medicines to treat illnesses such as cancer, diabetes and Alzheimer's disease.
• A document entitled "Programme for Continuous Improvement 2007", which was given to staff representatives by Aer Lingus during the week, has shown that the average pay per employee is €72,478, higher than most other airlines. The document also covers hours to be worked and the taking of days in lieu of public holidays. Among the airline's goal in reducing costs is to agree a new wage structure for new hires, have all staff work a 37.5 hour week and reduced crewing levels.
• Smarthomes, the Irish-owned company which manufactures wiring systems for new homes, is to provide employment for 100 additional staff over the next three years at its new headquarters in Dundalk. The new €10m facility officially opened on Friday by An Taoiseach Bertie Ahern.