A case of notable significance for workers throughout Ireland and even beyond the channel was brought before the Dublin law courts. This case, which unfolded on a Monday, carries more than passing interest, as it touches upon the rights and privileges of labourers across the country. The Corporation of the City of Limerick, acting within what they consider their rights and motivated by a commendable desire to serve as exemplary municipal employers, made a significant decision. They resolved to grant their workforce, on equal footing with their higher-ranking officials, a series of holidays without any loss of pay.

However, their actions did not go unchallenged. The Local Government Board (LGB) auditor took issue with this decision and subsequently imposed surcharges on certain members of the Council. These surcharges were applied to recoup the amount paid to the employees for their holidays.

The crux of the matter, presented before the Lord Chief Baron and two other judges in the Dublin law courts, revolved around a fundamental question: Could a local governing body legally grant holidays to its employees without any reduction in wages? This question was further broken down into different categories, including regular annual leave, bank holidays, and half-days off for regatta events or municipal elections.

The King’s Bench Division has now issued a ruling on this matter. In the case of regular annual leave and bank holidays, the judges have affirmed that the Limerick Corporation, and by extension all other local governing bodies, are well within their rights to grant these holidays without any deduction from their workers’ wages. However, when it comes to holidays coinciding with race or regatta meetings or days of municipal elections, the judges declined to extend the same allowances.

This ruling represents a significant step forward for workers’ rights and serves as a tribute to the Corporation of Limerick for taking the initiative to grant these concessions to a segment of Ireland’s labour force. It is hoped that the affected workers will fully avail themselves of these new privileges, which will undoubtedly enhance their quality of life and work.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 19 June 1906