Labour Court varies recommendation on OPW worker’s night duties

The Labour Court varied a Rights Commissioner’s decision in a dispute over a worker’s disciplinary sanctions, allowing him to apply for night duty when a suitable vacancy arises. The decision was signed on 16 April 2014. The worker, represented by the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union, sought removal of a warning and a return to night duties. The Office of Public Works said the warning had been reduced and it could not return him to night duties. The Court found the sanctions mainly fair and proportionate, but said permanent removal from night duties was excessive. It allowed the worker to apply for consideration on the same terms as other employees and otherwise upheld the Rights Commissioner’s decision.