Labour Court recommends review of Roches Stores butcher’s flexible-hours agreement

The Labour Court declined to recommend the Cork Operative Butchers Society & General Workers Union’s claim for improved terms for a butcher at Roches Stores, but recommended that the parties review their agreement and address difficulties without undermining its purpose. The recommendation was signed on 9 December 1999. The union said the worker had accepted flexible hours under pressure and sought conditions matching his colleagues. Roches Stores said the terms had been negotiated and reflected retail practice. The Court said changing circumstances did not allow one side to withdraw from the agreement.