The Labour Court increased an award to Mr Jose Lito D Quiber to €6,619.60 after finding Johnston Logistics Ltd had paid him less than the minimum wage. The determination was signed on 31 March 2006, varying the earlier €1,541 award.
Mr Quiber worked as an articulated truck driver from May 2001 until March 2005. His contract guaranteed 45 hours a week, while the union said he worked an average of 60 hours and was paid below the minimum wage. The company said it excluded travel to and from the depot and breaks from hours worked.
A Rights Commissioner had awarded €1,541 for underpayment through 31 January 2004, finding the company deducted excessive travel time. On the union’s appeal, the Labour Court recalculated arrears using hours worked less breaks and travel time, and accounting for weekly wages and accommodation allowance. It allowed the appeal and awarded €6,619.60, replacing the earlier award.