MANAGERS at a Glasgow swimming pool who were sacked after a probe into overtime payments in the run up to the Commonwealth Games have mounted a legal challenge at an employment tribunal.

Five workers are claiming unfair dismissal after their employer, Glasgow Life, fired them from Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

The Evening Times revealed last year that the council’s arm’s-length management organisation had acted following an internal investigation.

A hearing before employment judge Lucy Wiseman began yesterday and is expected to last up to three weeks.

Solicitor Mousab Hemsi told the tribunal at the outset that the "primary remedy" for his clients is "reinstatement and reengagement".

He added: "We of course seek compensation as well".

Stephen Wilson, who oversaw the disciplinary hearings at Glasgow Life, was the first witness to be cross examined.

He told the tribunal that senior management expected middle managers to "put their lives on hold" as the centre underwent a £14million refurbishment ahead of the Commonwealth Games in 2014.

He said staff "accepted it was going to be an exceptionally busy period".

It is understood the centre authorised around a third more overtime payments than at other Glasgow Life sports facilities.

Initial questioning of Mr Wilson centred on 'blue' and 'green' shift patterns.

The earliest start when working a blue shift pattern is 5am and the latest finish is 10:30pm. Green shift patterns can begin as early at 4:15am and end at midnight.

Mr Wilson told the tribunal that the five managers took "unjustified" higher payments by claiming overtime for a green shift pattern.

However the tribunal heard claims that their bosses rubber stamped this.

Solicitor Mr Hemsi asked Mr Wilson about the organisation's code of conduct which states staff must not refuse to carry out a "reasonable instruction" issued by their bosses or face disciplinary action.

Mr Hemsi told the tribunal that his clients had "advanced the position" that overtime payments were "authorised by a grade seven manager".

He asked Mr Wilson whether he considered it a "reasonable request" to work additional hours.

He accepted that it was and staff could "expect disciplinary policy to be instigated" if they did not work and claim overtime.

However, Mr Wilson added: "Payments made were not justified at the level at which they were being paid."

A spokesman for Glasgow Life said: “We cannot comment on ongoing legal proceedings.”

The hearing continues today.