Labour Court recommends National Bus And Rail Union accept Irish Rail’s position on signalman’s demotion

In 1991, the Labour Court recommended that the National Bus And Rail Union accept Irish Rail’s position in a dispute over a signalman’s demotion and withdrawal of his signalling certificate. The decision was dated 25 September 1991. The union argued the penalty was too harsh, saying the signalman had been on a tea break and his duties were covered by a colleague. Irish Rail said he had been found asleep away from his post and that the penalty was appropriate because of safety responsibilities. The Court considered both sides’ submissions and the grievance procedures before recommending that the union accept the company’s position.