Labour Court recommends promotion process and compensation in Smurfit dispute

The Labour Court recommended that Smurfit Corrugated Cases give existing employees an opportunity to apply for future plant manager posts. In a separate lead-hand dispute, it recommended confirming the original appointment and paying the claimant compensation equal to twice the annual difference between his current rate and the lead-hand rate. The recommendation was dated 2 June 1999. The Services Industrial Professional Technical Union had challenged the appointments and said a more experienced worker should have received a trial period for the lead-hand role. The Court said the parties' agreement provided for promotions primarily on merit and recommended that future vacancies follow that agreement.