Labour Court recommends payment for some O.P.W. drainage workers' lay-offs

In 1989, the Labour Court recommended that the Office Of Public Works (O.P.W.) concede payment to drainage workers for specific lay-off periods the Court considered probably contrary to the Programme for National Recovery. The recommendation was signed on 29 September 1989. The Irish Transport And General Workers' Union sought compensation for lost earnings on behalf of about 150 workers who said they reported for duty while laid off. The O.P.W. opposed compensation, citing costs and the workers' receipt of social welfare benefits. The Court said each proposed lay-off had to be assessed on its merits and recommended payment for the periods in question.