Labour Court affirms Glanbia recommendation on Ricky Murphy’s permanent post

The Labour Court affirmed a Rights Commissioner’s recommendation, with a qualification, in Glanbia Foods Ireland Ltd’s dispute with worker Ricky Murphy over a permanent post. In its decision signed on 27 March 2013, the Court noted Murphy had already been appointed under the recommendation. Murphy appealed after being passed over for a full-time post despite ranking third on a panel. He said he was told a disciplinary sanction disqualified him, although the agreement did not say that. Glanbia said appointments were based on seniority where all things were equal. The Court called that phrase inherently uncertain and said the parties should negotiate clear criteria for future appointments. Once agreed, Murphy’s seniority should be reviewed with the agreement of everyone affected. The Court affirmed the recommendation subject to that qualification.