The Newry-based pharmaceutical company Norbook Laboratories has been criticized for reportedly demanding its employees carry out unpaid work to make up for time lost during the recent adverse weather.
Earlier this month, the severe winter storm dubbed ‘The Beast from the East’ brought high winds and heavy snowfall, crippling the country’s transport network and prompting warnings for people to travel only if necessary. The storm also forced the closure of schools and many businesses.
Now the MP for Newry & Armagh, Mickey Brady says he has been contacted in recent days by Norbrook staff, angry at being told they must work for free to cover the hours lost when the weather forced the factory to close.
Commenting on the situation, Mr Brady says he has been in contact with Norbrook management and the Labour Relations Agency and has called on the company to reconsider its demand.
“Norbrook have informed staff that they must work unpaid to cover the time they lost on the days the factory was closed as a result of the recent adverse weather. I have discussed the issue with the Labour Relations Agency and also had contacts with Norbrook management to express my concern, and that of many of their employees, at this unfair penalising of workers. Workers should not have to make up the time they lost through additional unpaid hours and I appeal to them [Norbrook] to rectify this unfair penalising of its employees,” Mr Brady said.
“On the broader issue regarding the impact of adverse weather on workers’ rights, I believe there needs to be uniformity and clarity on adverse weather policies and employer practices, particularly relating to the conditions that employees are paid,” he added.