Labour Court recommends open competition for future health service promotions

The Labour Court recommended accepting an Industrial Relations Officer’s proposal to settle outstanding promotional posts and using open competition for future foreman, assistant foreman and chargehand promotions. The recommendation was signed on 25 May 2005. The Eastern Regional Health Authority, represented by Northern Area Health Board, and Ictu Eastern Regional Health Authority Group Of Unions disputed whether promotions should be based on seniority. The union said an agreement dating from 1970 had led workers to expect promotion by length of service; the employer argued that open competition supported equal access.