Labour Court recommends £80 per mile and meal allowance for Teagasc staff transfer

The Labour Court recommended accepting the transfer terms for Teagasc staff moving from Belclare to Athenry after the centre closed. In its recommendation dated 20 October 2000, it backed £80 per mile in disturbance compensation and a 12-month continuation of the £5.65 weekly eating-on-site payment for employees unable to use the Athenry canteen. The Services Industrial Professional Technical Union said the move added 40 miles of daily travel and 1.5 hours to the working day, and sought compensation and continued meal payments. Teagasc said Athenry had canteen facilities and offered the £80 per mile payment. The Court said the 1997 agreement covered transfers but did not specify permanent transfers, and recommended accepting the package terms.