Labour Court backed temporary subcontracting at Ballygowan amid demand rise

In 1999, the Labour Court considered temporary subcontracting of sparkling water production justified after an unexpected rise in demand at Ballygowan Limited. It suggested seeking assistance to address distrust between the company and the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union. The recommendation was dated 10 December. The union said earlier contracting out of flavoured water had affected workers’ earnings despite assurances that it would be temporary. Ballygowan said stock was critically low and its agreement allowed subcontracting when necessary. The Court said the circumstances required temporary subcontracting to avoid losing customers, and that refusing it in similar circumstances could prove disastrous. It suggested Labour Relations Commission assistance to improve cooperation.