Labour Court recommends 24-month extension to Gerflor call-back arrangements

The Labour Court recommended that Gerflor and Unite keep the call-back arrangements for eligible former employees in place for a further 24 months from 25 August 2017, after which they would cease. The dispute concerned arrangements made during restructuring and redundancies in 2009 and 2010. Unite sought permanent vacancies for people on the list in order of seniority. Gerflor said it had honoured the arrangements for seven years and they were not intended to continue indefinitely. The Court said neither side’s interpretation was supported by the documents. The recommendation provides for vacancies arising during the 24-month period to be advertised internally as agreed with Unite. Eligible people on the list are to be selected by seniority, subject to skill mix and suitability. Anyone who refuses an offer is to be removed from the list. The Court also said Unite must accept Gerflor’s obligation to inform fixed-term employees about vacancies.