Labour Court varies Iarnrod Eireann recommendation on suspension pay

In 2002, the Labour Court varied a recommendation on suspension pay for a locomotive driver at Iarnrod Eireann, finding the company had not acted reasonably in keeping him on summary suspension for the full period. The decision was signed on 29 April 2002. The Court directed the company to refund the pay reduction for the suspension period excluding the first week; it gave no revised amount. The Rights Commissioner had recommended payment of £1,253 (€1,591). Iarnrod Eireann appealed. The company said the worker had refused a refresher course and a meeting with his acting district manager, and that suspension pay based on 39 hours followed its disciplinary procedures. The union said his contract was for 44 hours and that he was prepared to attend the course within a week of the suspension.