Labour Court recommends union accept Showerings car policy

In 1996, the Labour Court recommended that the Sales, Marketing And Administrative Union Of Ireland accept Showerings (Ireland) Limited’s group car policy for sales representatives and find a suitable model within its £15,800 price limit. The recommendation was signed on 10 December 1996. The union opposed replacing the Opel Vectra with a Volkswagen Vento, arguing that members received less favourable treatment than comparable sales representatives and that the Vectra offered the best safety. It also said the extra cost was minimal, the change had not been negotiated, and morale was low. Showerings said the group policy was based on cost and suitability, the new Vectra exceeded its limits, and it had offered several alternative models. The Court also recommended greater transparency around the policy’s twice-yearly review and that employees be told about changes.