Labour Court Database __________________________________________________________________________________ File Number: CD87841 Case Number: LCR11600 Section / Act: S67 Parties: NORTH EASTERN CATTLE BREEDING SOCIETY LIMITED - and - IRISH TRANSPORT AND GENERAL WORKERS' UNION |
Claim by the Union on behalf of 47 artificial inseminators for an increase under the 27th Wage Round.
Recommendation:
5. Having carefully considered the submissions, the Court
recommends that basic pay be increased by 2% effective from 1st
July, 1987, and a further 2% from 1st January, 1988. On the claim
for increased call allowance, the Court also recommends an
increase of 2% with effect from 1st January, 1988. This agreement
to terminate on 30th June, 1988.
Division: Mr Fitzgerald Mr Shiel Mr O'Murchu
Text of Document__________________________________________________________________
CD87841 RECOMMENDATION NO. LCR11600
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 1976
SECTION 67
PARTIES: NORTH EASTERN CATTLE BREEDING SOCIETY LIMITED
and
IRISH TRANSPORT AND GENERAL WORKERS' UNION
SUBJECT:
1. Claim by the Union on behalf of 47 artificial inseminators for
an increase under the 27th Wage Round.
BACKGROUND:
2. The 27th Wage Round is due from 1st July, 1987. The Union did
not submit a formal claim but during informal talks indicated that
its aim was an increase of 6% for 12 months on both basic pay and
call allowances. Inseminators are on a basic rate of between
#6,504 and #8,747 per annum, (most are on the top of the scale).
In addition they receive a call allowance, to cover the cost of
running a car on the Society's business and as an incentive. Call
allowance rates, which have not been increased since 1983, are as
follows -
1-10 calls per day - #1.45 per call
11-20 calls per day - #1.52 per call
20 + calls per day - #2.00 per call
Winter calls - #1.52 per call
Calls on Sundays and Public Holidays - #2.00 per call
The Society outlined its views on the difficult economic situation
and proposed an increase on basic pay of 3% but no increase on
allowance rates. The Union rejected this offer and on 30th
September, 1987, the issue was referred to the conciliation
service of the Labour Court. As no agreement could be reached at
a conciliation conference held on 4th November, 1987, the matter
was referred, on 9th November, 1987, to the Labour Court for
investigation and recommendation. A Court hearing took place on
2nd December, 1987, in Cavan.
UNION'S ARGUMENTS:
3. 1. The present salary scales are well below comparable
scales in other artificial insemination companies. One of
the reasons for this is because the workers concerned have
taken pay increases which have been less than the national
pay round average. They did this in recognition of a fall
off in the Society's business. That fall has now ended.
2. The Society argues that business is still falling. The
Union disputes this, however, arguing that there has been a
change in the pattern of business. The farmer is no longer
unduly concerned with Spring inseminations but is spreading
them across the Summer and into Autumn. The Union believes
that insemination figures in 1987 will be higher than in
1986.
3. There have been real increases in motoring costs during
the last 4 years for which the artificial inseminators were
not compensated. Automobile Association figures show these
increases as a 3% increase in 1984 and a 5% increase in 1985.
4. Normal motoring costs have not increased significantly
since 1985. However, the artificial inseminators costs are
not 'normal'. Annual mileage averages approximately 30,000
miles on some of the worst road surfaces in Ireland. This
results in excessive wear and tear and reduces trade-in
value. Insurance and replacement costs have also risen
substantially.
5. The Society argues that it cannot afford to grant an
increase in allowances, while at the same time refusing to
increase the artificial insemination fee to the farmer. This
fee has remained at the same level for three years, while
adjoining districts have fees #1.50 to #2 higher. In effect
the workers are providing a subvention to the farmer.
SOCIETY'S ARGUMENTS:
4. 1. The Society is entirely dependant on artificial
insemination working for its revenue. Accordingly, any fall
in call numbers affects its revenue. Since 1983, the Society
has suffered a decline of 18.9% in call numbers. As a result
the Society's surplus has decreased each year and this year
the Society will show a loss.
2. The Society has honoured all pay rounds over the years.
Staff received an increase over and above the terms of the
1984 pay round because of the introduction of revised pay
scales. Pay increases have exceeded the Consumer Price Index
over the last number of years. The Society's offer of 3%
will maintain present earnings.
3. The call allowance is designed to off-set the costs of
operating a car on Society business. Allowance payments are
substantial and far exceed the cost of operating a car.
4. Total earnings for artificial inseminators at the maximum
point of the scale are in excess of #16,000 per annum,
without including Sunday and Rest Day payments. This
compares favourably with earnings in other companies.
5. The Society has seen a serious decline in its sales. Not
alone have call numbers fallen, sales income has also fallen
in both actual and real terms. Concession of the Union's
claim will seriously affect its financial situation and would
lead to instability and reduced employment.
RECOMMENDATION:
5. Having carefully considered the submissions, the Court
recommends that basic pay be increased by 2% effective from 1st
July, 1987, and a further 2% from 1st January, 1988. On the claim
for increased call allowance, the Court also recommends an
increase of 2% with effect from 1st January, 1988. This agreement
to terminate on 30th June, 1988.
~
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
18th December, 1987 Nicholas Fitzgerald
B.O'N./P.W. Deputy Chairman