Labour Court rejects union claim over Castlebar hospital catering contract

The Labour Court did not recommend conceding the Irish Transport And General Workers' Union's claim against the Western Health Board over contracting out catering at Castlebar General Hospital. The recommendation was signed on 13 December 1989. The union argued outsourcing risked low-paid work and could weaken service for patients. The Western Health Board cited expected savings and said existing permanent and temporary catering staff would not lose jobs or earnings. The Court accepted management's assurance that there would be no loss of employment or earnings and found the proposal was not unreasonable.