Labour Court rejects union claim for compensation over lost driving duties

In 1989, the Labour Court did not recommend conceding the National Engineering And Electrical Trade Union’s claim for compensation for a worker who lost his driving duties at Van Leer (Ireland) Limited. The recommendation was signed on 17 January 1989. The union said the change cost the worker overtime and expenses, estimating the loss at about £85 a week, and said he wanted to resume driving. Van Leer (Ireland) Limited said a flexibility arrangement allowed him to move between driving and general operator duties, with his earnings maintained. The Court found that the 1984 arrangement, reinforced by a 1987/1988 agreement, covered the worker and noted that his earnings would be maintained in the new role.