Labour Court recommends €2,000 each for three Goode Concrete workers

In 2004, the Labour Court recommended that Goode Concrete Limited pay three dismissed workers €2,000 each after a dispute over unofficial picketing at its Killeen Road plant. The dispute began when a driver was dismissed after refusing to drive an articulated truck for which he did not have a licence. Two colleagues joined his picket after learning what had happened and were later dismissed after remaining on the line. Agemo Trade Group argued that the company had not adequately investigated the circumstances and had no procedures for workplace disputes. Goode Concrete Limited said the workers had refused talks, breached their employment terms by picketing outside recognised procedures and had been warned of dismissal. The Court said the workers engaged in unofficial industrial action and were responsible to a significant degree for their losses. It also noted that the company had met with them and offered a settlement, recognising some legitimacy in their grievance. The Court recommended ex gratia payments in full and final settlement.