Labour Court varies Eurospar recommendation, reducing payment to €500

The Labour Court varied a €2,000 compensation recommendation to €500 on Calomeria Supermarket Ltd T/A Eurospar’s appeal. The decision was signed on 2 March 2009. The dispute concerned a worker’s transfer from the butcher counter, reduced hours and changed shifts after his election as shop steward. The Rights Commissioner rejected the claim that the treatment was linked to his shop steward role but recommended €2,000 compensation for the way the transfer was handled and the lack of explanation and notice. The Labour Court did not uphold the Rights Commissioner’s findings or recommendation. It noted the worker had worked non-contracted hours while the butchery department was seriously short-staffed, and recommended €500 in full and final settlement for his assistance and co-operation.