Labour Court rejects union’s claim for dedicated Laois council office

The Labour Court rejected the Irish Municipal, Public and Civil Trade Union’s claim for a furnished dedicated office at Laois County Council’s headquarters in Portlaoise. Its recommendation was signed on 17 June 2014. The union said representatives needed confidential meeting space and had struggled to secure facilities such as notice boards, filing cabinets and rooms for private discussions. It said other unions representing council workers supported the claim. Laois County Council said meeting rooms, including the council chamber for larger gatherings, were available through its booking system and that its facilities met the relevant Code of Practice. The Court considered the facilities reasonable and noted management’s commitment to provide a locked filing cabinet and notice board facilities.