Labour Court Database
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File Number: CD87486
Case Number: LCR11329
Section / Act: S67
Parties: JOSEPH STEWARD LTD - and - ITGWU
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Subject:
Claims on behalf of 15 workers under the 26th wage round for increase of (a) 10% on basic rates and meal allowances (b) transport crew to qualify for payment of tea allowance from 6 p.m. and (c) amend the current sick pay scheme by doubling of Company's and workers' contributions and benefit arising from same.
Recommendation:
5. The Court is of the view that the offer contained in the
letter of 17th February, 1987, is reasonable and should be
accepted in settlement of the 26th round claim.
The Court so recommends.
Division: Ms Owens Mr Shiel Mr Devine
Text of Document__________________________________________________________________
CD87486 THE LABOUR COURT LCR11329
CC862073 INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 1976
RECOMMENDATION NO. LCR11329
PARTIES: JOSEPH STEWARD LIMITED
(REPRESENTED BY THE FEDERATED UNION OF EMPLOYERS)
AND
IRISH TRANSPORT AND GENERAL WORKERS' UNION
SUBJECT:
1. Claims on behalf of 15 workers under the 26th wage round for
increase of (a) 10% on basic rates and meal allowances (b)
transport crew to qualify for payment of tea allowance from 6 p.m.
and (c) amend the current sick pay scheme by doubling of
Company's and workers' contributions and benefit arising from
same.
BACKGROUND:
2. The Company are provender millers operating from Boyle and
distributing in an area within a 70 mile radius of the town. The
25th wage round expired on 30th September, 1986. The rates of pay
of the workers concerned are:-
Yardman #122.61
Drivers #131.01
Panel Operator #132.61
Mechanic #136.61
The Union lodged the claims listed at (1) above with the Company
under the 26th wage round agreement effective from 1st October,
1986, and for a 12 month duration. The claims were rejected by
the Company.
Following meetings at local level the Company offered a 12 month
agreement of 4% on basic rates and on lunch and tea allowances.
As a resolution was not possible the matter was referred to the
conciliation service of the Labour Court on 10th December, 1986.
Following a conciliation conference held on 13th February, 1987,
the following offer by letter dated 17th February, 1987, emerged
which both representatives agreed to recommend for acceptance:-
4% increase on basic rates, service pay and meal allowances
from 1st October, 1986, with a further
3% increase from 1st July, 1987.
Agreement to run for a 15 month duration and no further claims of
a cost increasing nature during the course of the agreement. This
offer was rejected by the Union. Both parties agreed on 17th
June, 1987, to refer the matter to the Labour Court for
investigation and recommendation. A Labour Court hearing was held
in Sligo on 14th July, 1987.
Union's arguments:
3. (a) In an effort to bring about a satisfactory conclusion
the workers amended their claim to an increase of 8% on
basic pay and meal allowances with the remaining
elements of the claim unaltered. The current sick pay
scheme provides for payment of #6 a week for a maximum
of 18 weeks. The Company's contribution is 20p per
week per worker and the worker's contribution is 10p
per week. The workers consider the scheme to be out of
line when compared with other schemes.
(b) The increase offered is inadequate in view of the fact
that the wages paid by the Company are low. The
workers also consider that the duration of the
agreement (15 months) is excessive.
Company's arguments:
4. (i) The Company's offer of a phased increase of 7% for 1
months is extremely generous particularly having
regard to what other companies operating locally have
paid during the relevant period. (details supplied to
the Court).
(ii) Competition in the market place is very severe at the
moment. The main competition comes from Northern
Ireland and the companies from there have much lower
overheads, consequently their prices are lower. In
response, the Company and indeed other companies,
have had to reduce their prices considerably in order
to compete.
(iii) Because of the difficulties being experienced now by
the Company the majority of the workers have been on
short-time since May, 1987.
RECOMMENDATION:
5. The Court is of the view that the offer contained in the
letter of 17th February, 1987, is reasonable and should be
accepted in settlement of the 26th round claim.
The Court so recommends.
~
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court.
Evelyn Owens
___________________
24th_July,_1987.
M. D. / M.F. Deputy Chairman.