Labour Court recommends local talks on hospice staff hours

The Labour Court recommended that Our Ladys Hospice & Care Service and the Irish Municipal, Public and Civil Trade Union return to conciliation to agree a local arrangement on contracted working hours. Its recommendation was signed on 1 October 2012. The hospice sought a 35-hour week for administrative staff, in line with their contracts; they were working 33.75 hours. The union opposed the change, citing long-standing practice and an implied agreement to retain the shorter week. The hospice argued that the arrangement was unsustainable and that a buy-out would affect costs and services. The Court said the issue should be resolved directly between the parties, taking account of the hospice and affected staff. It recommended a local agreement without precedent in the wider context.