Labour Court upholds smoking-ban recommendation after union appeal

In 1989, the Labour Court upheld the Rights Commissioner's recommendation supporting a smoking ban in designated areas at Agra Meat Packers Limited's plant. The decision was signed on 9 June 1989. The Federated Workers' Union Of Ireland appealed, objecting to the ban in the yard and saying smoking in prohibited areas could lead to dismissal for a single offence. Agra Meat Packers Limited said buyer comments and requirements for potential sales to the United States Forces made the restriction necessary. The Court accepted that customer requirements were mandatory given the nature of the plant and its environment.