Labour Court rejects SIPTU appeal over South Dublin County Council meeting representation

In 1996, the Labour Court upheld a Rights Commissioner’s recommendation and rejected the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union (SIPTU)’s appeal against South Dublin County Council. The Court’s decision was dated 21 March 1996. The dispute concerned shop stewards’ attendance at meetings with the Council. SIPTU sought one shop steward for every 50 union members. The Council relied on its existing procedures, which generally provided for one shop steward per union at meetings, with exceptions arranged in advance. The Labour Court said arrangements should be negotiated and agreed with all the unions concerned. It suggested that South Dublin County Council and the unions seek arrangements suited to the needs of employees and management.