Labour Court recommends Irish Ferries and Seamen's Union talks on deck ratings' tax shortfall

The Labour Court recommended that Irish Ferries and the Seamen's Union Of Ireland negotiate an alternative productivity deal over deck ratings' tax shortfall on lump sum payments. The recommendation was dated 17 September 2002. The company had agreed to pay each rating £12,000 in two instalments of £10,000 and £2,000. The union said workers had been led to expect favourable tax treatment and sought compensation when no tax break applied. Irish Ferries disputed responsibility for workers' individual tax liabilities. The Court noted that the company had withdrawn an earlier settlement proposal and recommended that the union pursue talks on the alternative deal.