Labour Court tells Southern Health Board to retain casual hospital cleaner

In 1989, the Labour Court recommended that Southern Health Board continue its existing casual cleaning practice at Cork Regional Hospital and retain the casual worker then employed. The recommendation was signed on 27 January 1989. The Irish Transport and General Workers’ Union challenged the Board’s proposal to introduce contract cleaners in the outpatient department. The Board cited staffing shortages and a government recruitment embargo, and said contract cleaning was more economical. The Court considered the proposal unreasonable in light of the long-standing casual staffing practice covered by the union and Board agreement.