Labour Court recommends sick pay and minimum rates at Gerard Laboratories

The Labour Court recommended eight weeks of paid sick leave a year at Gerard Laboratories after a dispute with the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union. The recommendation also set minimum hourly pay rates for packing, warehouse and stores operatives and productive operatives. It was dated 25 January 2005. The Court recommended that the sick-pay scheme apply after 12 months’ service, with medical certification, a three-day waiting period and the option of a second medical opinion. It found existing pay arrangements were not sufficiently transparent and recommended rates ranging from €9 to €11.30 an hour, depending on role and length of service. The dispute also covered grievance and disciplinary procedures and representation on the European Works Council. The Court recommended a procedure in line with the relevant code and elections when current council members’ terms expire.