Labour Court rejects union appeal over night-time plumber cover at Irish Biscuits

In 1996, the Labour Court rejected the Amalgamated Engineering And Electrical Union’s appeal against a recommendation on night-time plumbing cover at Irish Biscuits Limited. The decision was dated 25 January 1996. The union sought a temporary plumber for night shifts, citing safety concerns around gas appliance repairs and the risk of disputes over which trades could do the work. The company said a January 1994 restructuring plan provided for a call-out system and that no plumbing service had been needed during seven months of night work. The Court agreed the plan covered night work through call-outs. The company also agreed to let the union examine records. The Court said the union’s case for employing an unemployed plumber could be discussed between the parties but was not an issue for the Court.