In 1996, the Labour Court recommended that Roches Stores (Patrick Street) Cork pay £10,000 into a fund for about 650 staff affected by disruption during a store rebuilding programme. The recommendation was signed on 20 May 1996.
The phased building work began in 1992 and was due to finish in 1997. Mandate sought compensation for the disturbance. It cited dirt on shelves and stock, daily uniform cleaning, minor accidents and noise that sometimes made it difficult for staff and customers to communicate. The company said the work was phased and separated from occupied areas, keeping disruption minimal.
The Court found that the phased reconstruction reduced disruption compared with work at the company’s Galway and Blackrock stores. It said the staff’s cooperation was essential to the store’s continuing business and should be acknowledged. The recommended fund could be used or divided as decided by a majority of staff representatives.