Labour Court recommends six months of attendance records for foremen’s claim

The Labour Court recommended that Bord Gais Eireann record two foremen’s out-of-hours attendance for six months from 1 January 2012, then use the records in discussions about their compensation claim. The recommendation was signed on 17 November 2011. The Services Industrial Professional Technical Union said the foremen continued to work excessive hours outside normal schedules and that management arranged weekend work. Bord Gais Eireann disputed that the attendance was excessive, citing their non-overtime salary band, time in lieu, subsistence and mileage. The Court said verified records were needed to establish the extent of the work. It also said the salary band might need examination and management must comply with the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997. If the parties could not agree after discussions, they could refer the matter back to the Court.