Labour Court varies Irish Blood Transfusion Service pay-scale recommendation

The Labour Court varied a Rights Commissioner’s recommendation on a scientist’s pay-scale claim against the Irish Blood Transfusion Service. The decision was dated 26 July 2006. The employer had appealed the earlier recommendation in the worker’s favour. The worker, who had served for 39 years, argued that colleagues doing work of equal value earned more and that the required qualification was unavailable when he began his career. The employer said progression beyond the fifth point of the scale required a qualification under a nationally negotiated agreement. The Court said the claim had merit but it could not set aside the collective agreement. It recommended that, if the worker undertook the necessary course, the employer should cover the fees and other costs and provide reasonable paid time off.