Labour Court recommends compensation talks after Dublin Port pilots’ employment change

The Labour Court recommended that Dublin Port Company and a worker discuss a compensation package after pilots moved from self-employment to direct employment. The recommendation was dated 23 February 2001. The worker argued that employee status prevented pilots from offsetting motor expenses against income tax and caused a loss in income. The company disputed the claimed losses and said only properly claimed expenses could count as legitimate loss. The Court said conflicting expert opinions made it difficult to decide the tax issues and viewed the dispute as one for an industrial relations solution. It considered the worker’s expectations excessive but said the company’s offer should improve. The parties were recommended to complete discussions within six weeks.