The Labour Court recommended a non-contributory sick-pay scheme for workers represented by the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union and the Amalgamated Transport and General Workers’ Union at Anglo Irish Beef Processors. The recommendation, signed on 18 August 2000, followed a claim on behalf of 300 union members.
The unions sought sick pay for certified illness, with benefits linked to service. The company cited high absenteeism and opposed open-ended costs, proposing limits and a jointly funded scheme.
The Court recommended a scheme covering up to 15 days of certified illness each year, excluding the first three days. Benefits would be at full basic pay less Social Welfare Disability Benefit. The parties were to agree detailed rules, including any service qualification, and review the scheme after two years.
The Court also recommended that the parties immediately put effective measures in place to address absenteeism.