Paddy Power ‘cash out’ €100,000 for denial of staff rest breaks

Management in Paddy Power bookmakers have conceded almost €100,000 to staff for the denial of rest breaks in 92 separate cases.

Mandate Trade Union, representing 300 workers at the company, said the cases have now proceeded through the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the company has agreed to compensate the workers. The final WRC decision by an adjudication officer was issued last Friday, 5th July 2019.

Mandate Divisional Organiser, Robert McNamara said: “Our members are delighted to see this process end with compensation of between €700-€1000 per member for the denial of their rest breaks. Hopefully Paddy Power and all companies ensure their workers get their basic entitlements in the future.”

Mr McNamara added, “The company has now confirmed that it will not be appealing those decisions and has paid out on all monies owed to our members.”

Mandate has written seeking a meeting with the company to discuss a range of issues including a pay increase, a sick pay scheme, safe staffing levels and Sunday premium rates of pay.

Management has so far refused to engage and allow their workers the right to trade union representation leaving Mandate with no alternative but to seek an intervention in the Workplace Relations Commission.

“If the company continue to deny their workers their democratic right to representation, we will have to consult with members to determine future actions,” concluded Mr McNamara.