The Labour Court did not recommend conceding the Federated Workers' Union of Ireland's claim for automatic upgrading of long-serving clerical staff at Aer Lingus. The recommendation was signed on 26 April 1987.
The union said historic barriers to women's promotion had left some female clerical staff with 25 to 40 years' service in lower grades. It sought automatic progression for staff recruited in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. Aer Lingus opposed promotion based only on length of service, pointing to job requirements, individual ability and qualifications, as well as existing progression and long-service increments.
The Court accepted that the employment history could create a feeling of unfairness about promotion, but did not agree that the company's grading system caused it. It also rejected the union's proposed remedy as an appropriate way to resolve the issue. The recommendation concerned the collective claim and did not make a finding of discrimination.