Labour Court rejects dock workers’ standby and call-out pay claim

In 1987, the Labour Court did not recommend conceding the Irish Transport and General Workers' Union's claim for a standby allowance and increased call-out payments for four workers at Limerick docks. The recommendation was signed on 3 November 1987. The workers operated the dock gates and received a 25% shift premium and two hours' normal overtime pay for call-outs. The union argued they had to be available at any time of day or night. The Limerick Harbour Commissioners said the timing of gate work was dictated by tides and weather. The Court said the work times were foreseeable because of tidal movements, so the claim could not be sustained.