Labour Court finds Whelans freezer-room pay claim breached agreement

In 2003, the Labour Court found the pay-differential claim by the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union for Whelans freezer-room staff breached the Sustaining Progress agreement. The recommendation was signed on 15 December 2003. The union sought €1.50 extra per hour for freezer-room work, citing the room's maximum permitted temperature of minus 18 degrees Celsius. Whelans said staff already received a premium rate and argued the claim could have knock-on effects. The Court said the claimants could not qualify as a newly organised group, given their union membership since 2000 and claim in 2002.