Labour Court sends ESB International bullying dispute back to internal council

The Labour Court recommended referring a worker’s dispute with ESB International Ltd. back to the ESB Joint Industrial Council for consideration, because the company’s internal appeal procedure had not been completed. The recommendation was signed on 15 August 2011; the Court did not decide the underlying bullying complaints. The worker alleged that the company’s investigation and appeal had not followed its policy and sought an external review. ESB International Ltd. said the complaints had been handled fairly and that the worker withdrew the JIC appeal before completing the process. The Court recommended that the JIC consider the matter within a reasonable period and that the worker be free to choose a representative from colleagues or signatory union officials.