Labour Court recommends warning expire after 12 months for Bunker Estates worker

The Labour Court recommended that a final written warning given to an assistant manager at Bunker Estates Limited expire after 12 months, and that he return to his former position after 12 months of satisfactory service in his demoted role. The dispute followed a discounted food sale to another staff member. Management said the worker misrepresented what happened when questioned. The worker said some food was overcooked and he gave a discount as a goodwill gesture, without intending dishonesty. The demotion reduced his pay by €50 a week. In a recommendation signed on 13 May 2009, the Court said Bunker Estates had acted properly but noted mitigating factors, including no personal gain and the worker’s long, blemish-free service. The worker, represented by Mandate, agreed to be bound by the recommendation.