Labour Court Database __________________________________________________________________________________ File Number: CD8740 Case Number: LCR11091 Section / Act: S67 Parties: MAYO CO. COUNCIL - and - ITGWU |
PAYMENT OF TELEPHONE ALLOWANCES
Recommendation:
5. Having regard to the requirement to be on call the Court
recommends concession of the allowance as claimed by the Union.
Division: Mr O'Connell Mr McHenry Mr O'Murchu
Text of Document__________________________________________________________________
CD8740 THE LABOUR COURT LCR11091
CC861731 INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 1976
RECOMMENDATION NO. LCR11091
PARTIES: MAYO COUNTY COUNCIL
AND
IRISH TRANSPORT AND GENERAL WORKERS' UNION
Subject:
1. Claim for the payment of a telephone allowance (#223.68 p.a.)
to hose and ladder fire brigade squad leaders and assistant
leaders in the part-time fire service (approximately 20 workers).
Background:
2. The part-time fire service which is based in several towns
throughout the county is complemented by a limited fire service
based in the smaller towns known as the hose and ladder squad.
This squad is unique to county Mayo. They operate from their own
homes, are supplied with basic fire fighting equipment, and are
expected to respond to calls in their own area and to tackle fires
while awaiting back-up from a proper brigade. In 1981, following
Labour Court Recommendation No. 6208, a telephone allowance was
introduced for leaders and assistant leaders in the part-time fire
service as they were expected to have manned 'phones in their
homes 24 hours a day. They are expected to respond to calls by
raising the alarm and mobilising their squads. This allowance was
not paid to the workers in the hose and ladder squads. The Union
claimed the payment of this allowance on behalf of the workers.
This claim was rejected by the Council and the matter was referred
to the conciliation service of the Labour Court on 17th October,
1986. A conciliation conference was held on 3rd December, 1986.
As no progress was possible both parties agreed to refer the
matter to the Labour Court for investigation and recommendation.
A Labour Court hearing was held in Castlebar on 11th March, 1987,
a date suitable to both parties.
Union's arguments:
3. (a) The requirement to be "on call" is the same for the
workers in the hose and ladder squad as it is for the
workers in the regular part-time service (known as
mobile squads) as the local squad is invariably first
to local fires.
(b) The Labour Court, in its recommendation No. 6208
recommended the introduction of the telephone
allowance" having regard to the nature of the service".
The Union contend that the "nature of the service" is
the same for the hose and ladder squads as it is for
the mobile squads and consequently the workers
concerned should also be in receipt of the telephone
allowance.
(c) It is generally recognised that the contribution of the
hose and ladder squads to the emergency service has
been no less than that of the mobile squads, and the
requirements from the workers concerned no less.
Council's arguments:
4. (i) The Council held that the hose and ladder squads wer
not normal fire brigade units as their areas are also
covered by a mobile unit and in the circumstances
they would not come within the terms of the Labour
Court Recommendation No. 6208.
(ii) The hose and ladder squads in each area have a
telephone rental and official calls are paid by the
Council. They get a clothing allowance, the same as
the members of the mobile units. They are paid fire
and drill fees and are paid half the retainer fee of
mobile units on the basis that they are a limited
unit and that the area is also covered by a mobile
unit.
(iii) The future of the hose and ladder squads is under
consideration at present and it is not recommended,
therefore, that any further concessions be granted at
this time.
RECOMMENDATION:
5. Having regard to the requirement to be on call the Court
recommends concession of the allowance as claimed by the Union.
~
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court.
John O'Connell
_______________________
6th April, 1987.
M. D. / M. F. Deputy Chairman.