Labour Court extends special-leave reclassification to 12 weeks for Cork County Council worker

The Labour Court increased from eight to 12 weeks the period of sick leave to be reclassified as special leave for a Cork County Council worker. It also found no merit in the union’s claim for additional compensation. The decision was dated 28 April 2014. The union alleged that the worker had been removed from his duties and that the council breached natural justice and its own procedures. The council said it acted fairly and imposed no disciplinary sanction. The Court found the council could require the worker to attend a health and safety driving skills course, which did not amount to disciplinary action. It noted that the council protected his earnings while he was absent and said it would make good any outstanding wage shortfall.