Labour Court varies recommendation in Imperial Tobacco allowances appeal

The Labour Court varied a Rights Commissioner’s recommendation on Imperial Tobacco’s appeal over a worker’s lost shift and meal allowances. It said the company’s offer to pay an amount equal to the worker’s loss should be accepted in full and final settlement. The decision was signed on 27 June 2011. The worker, represented by the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union, said he lost the allowances while supervising a machinery overhaul. Imperial Tobacco argued that its agreement with SIPTU allowed a step-down payment. The Court found the worker’s contract allowed day work when required and that the company had acted properly under its collective agreement. It said similar situations should be discussed between the parties.