Labour Court sends Waterford acting-up dispute back for talks

The Labour Court recommended that Waterford City & County Council and the Irish Municipal, Public And Civil Trade Union return to the WRC for time-bound discussions over long-term acting-up arrangements. The recommendation was signed on 8 April 2016. The union sought regularisation or compensation for about 20 employees after acting-up arrangements ended following the merger of the city and county councils. It said some workers had held acting-up posts for two to 11 years and had lost earnings. The council rejected compensation, saying the claim would increase costs and was barred by the Public Service Agreement. The parties were directed to hold discussions within eight weeks. If issues remained unresolved, they could return to the Court for a definitive recommendation, with WRC consent.