The Labour Court has found that Iarnrod Eireann must utilise its full disciplinary procedures before suspending a member of the Irish Locomotive Drivers' Association for refusing to work his rest days. The Inchicore based driver was the first of several facing suspension for refusing to work Sundays and bank holidays under the "New Deal for Locomotive Drivers".
The decision was welcomed yesterday by ILDA executive secretary Mr Brendan Ogle. "The Labour Court decision has the effect of giving a guarantee to staff that no dismissals can take place without the company going through its full procedures. It is good news for drivers and for passengers," he said.
The company's director of human resources, Mr John Keenan, said it was accepting the court's findings in this particular case. He said there was a concerted effort by ILDA members to undermine both freight and passenger services by refusing to work rest days and the company had to address the problem.