The DEA has been in negotiations with Lakeland Dairies regarding the Meal Allowance for the Technical Sales Department, and we are pleased to announce a successful outcome.

After extensive discussions, we have secured an agreement that will see the Meal Allowance increase from €7.29 per day to €14.30. This represents a significant boost and a great result for our members. It highlights the power of collective negotiations and ensures eligible members will see a meaningful increase in their take-home pay.

Key Details of the Agreement:

Effective from April 1, 2025, the subsistence allowance will rise from €7.29 to €14.30

  • Paid to staff currently in receipt of the allowance.

  • Paid for full days worked away from home only.

  • Applied to all new entrants under this revised allowance structure.

The allowance will continue to apply to those eligible under Lakeland Dairies’ Expenses Policy. Employees qualify for the payment when they are working more than eight kilometres from their home and normal place of work for five hours or more.

Acknowledgments & The Power of Union Membership

A special thank you to DEA representative Frank Brennan for his dedication and expertise throughout these negotiations. His leadership was instrumental in securing this positive result.

This outcome is a clear demonstration of what we can achieve when we stand together. If you have colleagues who are not yet DEA members, we encourage you to speak with them about the importance of joining. Please share this email with them and ask them to join through our website at  www.dairyexecutives.ie/membership/  or by calling 01 6761989.

The stronger our union, the greater our ability to secure meaningful wins like this.

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