Labour Court says Sligo hospital aides moving to Band 2 must work longer hours

The Labour Court recommended that Medical Laboratory Aides at Sligo General Hospital who move to the Band 2 pay scale work the hours attached to the grade. The recommendation was signed on 23 October 2007. The aides had worked 35 hours a week on Clerical Officer terms, with 27 days' annual leave. Parallel Benchmarking placed them on Band 2 with higher pay, but increased their hours from 35 to 39 a week and reduced leave and sick-pay entitlements. The Services Industrial Professional Technical Union sought to retain the previous conditions alongside the higher pay; HSE West argued staff should accept the full re-banding package. The Court recommended that aides choosing Band 2 work the new grade's hours, with retrospection to June 2005. It also recommended local discussions on assimilation, rosters and the remaining terms and conditions.