WRC declines to recommend backdated locker payment for bus driver

The WRC declined to recommend backdating a locker-related payment for a bus driver, finding that the dispute affected a group of workers and concerned pay and working hours. Adjudication Officer Peter O’Brien dated the recommendation 24 September 2025. The worker sought to extend to 2021 an arrangement that had provided extra pay to a small group while replacement lockers were awaited. The employer said the 2024 agreement addressed a specific problem for a limited period and that a financial outcome could lead to similar claims. The officer also noted that the worker had not used the internal grievance procedure. The officer said a recommendation could affect at least eight and possibly up to 50 people, and would concern rates of pay and working hours. He found he was excluded by law from making a recommendation on the substantive dispute. The recommendation said there was no justification for the complaint and found in favour of the employer.