Labour Court recommends Leo Pharma shift changes and bonuses

The Labour Court recommended that Leo Pharma amend its proposed move from 24/5 to 24/7 production shifts and that the Services Industrial Professional Technical Union accept the amended offer. The recommendation, signed on 12 June 2018, called for revised shifts to take effect from 1 September 2018. The Court recommended a €1,000 sign-on bonus on acceptance of the new arrangements and a further €2,000 for each affected worker when called on to work the new shifts. It also recommended continuing existing public holiday, self-certification and overtime compensation arrangements, subsidised health insurance during the next pay agreement, and further talks on canteen services. Leo Pharma said increased production was needed to meet demand and secure future investment. The union cited the effects of the changes on workers’ family lives and finances. The Court did not recommend the union’s claim to treat Sunday afternoon work as rostered overtime.