In 1988, the Labour Court recommended that two porters dismissed from St. Loman’s Hospital be offered jobs at another location, with their previous service benefits preserved. The recommendation, signed on 21 March 1988, followed the Eastern Health Board’s dispute with the Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union over the dismissals.
The Court found both men guilty of serious misconduct and rejected the union’s view that they were innocent victims of management. It said dismissal was too harsh in the circumstances, while making clear that it did not excuse their behaviour. The recommended offer included six months’ probation, after which their personnel records should be cleared. The Court also found allegations of poor industrial relations in the hospital’s catering area disturbing and urged the Board to examine them.