Labour Court recommends Sligo County Council restore travel allowance

The Labour Court recommended that Sligo County Council restore a fixed sum travel allowance from the date it was abolished in its dispute with the Irish Municipal, Public and Civil Trade Union. The recommendation was signed on 30 March 2015. The union argued the allowance was part of workers’ pay and sought compensation for its loss. The council said travel payments covered legitimate work expenses and compensation was not payable for a reduction in expenses. The Court said the council abolished an allowance introduced by agreement without exhausting agreed dispute resolution procedures. It recommended that any changes be pursued through agreed negotiating structures and that the issue be discussed nationally.