The Labour Court recommended that Irish Ferries continue to employ Deck and Engine Officers directly on the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union’s proposed terms, with the arrangement reviewed at the end of the season. The dispute concerned the company’s proposal to outsource crewing on its Ireland-France service.
The Court also recommended that Irish Ferries not pursue bed-and-breakfast costs from crew who stayed aboard during the December 2004 stoppage, and that the 2003/04 officers’ annual bonus be paid in 2004/05. It did not recommend concession of claims for return-to-work pay, six days’ pay or safety-cover payments. Two temporary officers were to be included in the division of compensation for reduced crewing levels.
The recommendation was dated 24 February 2005.