Labour Court rejects Wexford County Council worker’s appeal for travel compensation

The Labour Court rejected a worker’s appeal for compensation for extra commuting expenses after a temporary transfer from Wexford to Bunclody. The decision was dated 19 May 2011. The worker, an Assistant Librarian represented by the Irish Municipal, Public and Civil Trade Union, transferred in November 2009 to a vacant Senior Library Assistant post, a grade below her existing grade. The Rights Commissioner had recommended that the Council reassign her to duties consistent with her contract by the end of October 2010; she had returned to Grade V duties in Wexford Library by the appeal. The union argued that the transfer caused extra travel, disruption and a lack of consultation. Wexford County Council said it needed to move staff to meet service needs. The Court accepted the Council’s right to transfer staff, but said it should keep workers informed about the transfer, its likely duration and efforts to return them to their substantive duties. It also said the worker had an opportunity to give input into the transfer but declined. The Court did not recommend compensation for her expenses.