Labour Court recommends colleague representation at Iarnrod Eireann appeal hearing

In 2002, the Labour Court recommended that Iarnrod Eireann allow a worker to have a chosen colleague assist at an appeal hearing with a higher manager. The recommendation, signed on 8 February 2002, followed a dispute with the Amalgamated Transport And General Workers' Union over representation in disciplinary procedures. The union said the disciplinary action included a proposed three-day suspension without pay and a final warning, and that the worker had been denied access to an internal appeals tribunal. The Court also recommended that a policy on individual representation be discussed with unions holding negotiating rights and completed by 5 April 2002. It said reasonable paid time off for a colleague acting as representative should take account of the company's operational needs.