Labour Court Database __________________________________________________________________________________ File Number: CD86903 Case Number: LCR10965 Section / Act: S20(1) Parties: TELECOM EIREANN - and - POOA |
Claim for the improvement of working conditions, in the directory enquiry section, Garryard House.
Recommendation:
5. In view of the information contained in the Bord's submission
and the steps being taken to rectify the position, the Court
recommends that the Post Office Officials Association accept the
undertakings given by the Bord in respect of the necessary
improvements.
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court.
Evelyn Owens
__5th__February,__1987. ___________________
B. O'N. / M. F. Deputy Chairman
Division: Ms Owens Mr Collins Mr Walsh
Text of Document__________________________________________________________________
CD86903 THE LABOUR COURT LCR10965
Section 20(1) INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 1976
RECOMMENDATION NO. LCR10965
PARTIES: BORD TELECOM EIREANN
AND
POST OFFICE OFFICIALS' ASSOCIATION
Subject:
1. Claim for the improvement of working conditions, in the
directory enquiry section, Garryard House.
Background:
2. The working conditions at Garryard House were the subject of
a previous Labour Court hearing. The conditions in question
relate to heating, ventilation, canteen facilities and
supervisors' rest room. Labour Court Recommendation No. 10,359
recommended that the premises in question be inspected by
inspectors appointed under the Office (Premises) Act to ascertain
if they meet with the requirements of that Act. This was complied
with and the Bord received the inspectors report in June, 1986.
However, the Association claims that the Bord has failed to carry
out the improvements it promised when this problem was previously
before the Court. The Bord refused to discuss the issue with the
Association, on the basis that it does not recognise the
Association as representing any grades within Telecom Eireann and
the matter was referred by the Association, under Section 20(1) of
the Industrial Relations Act, 1969, to the Labour Court for
investigation and recommendation. The Court investigated the
dispute on 13th January, 1987. Prior to the investigation the
Association gave an undertaking to accept the recommendation of
the Court.
Association's arguments:
3. (a) Working conditions in the directory enquiry section are
very poor arising from excessive heat and the absence
of a proper ventilation system. This causes discomfort
to the staff and has resulted in a number of workers in
the section feeling unwell. Despite the reporting of
the matter on numerous occasions to management, no
improvement has taken place.
(b) Other serious defects in the building are as follows:-
- No proper ventilation in the switchroom area, and
draughts of a harmfull nature are caused when
windows are opened for ventilation.
- Temperatures in the building vary from very hot to
cold.
- Ceiling tiles are missing from the switchroom, the
male toilet, the classroom and the supervisors rest
room creating draughts and dust. This has been the
situation for in excess of ten months.
(c) The environmental health section of Dublin Corporation
have inspected the building and issued a report,
however there has been no improvements in conditions.
The Association believe the Bord should provide
conditions, which are above the minimum conditions as
required by the Office (Premises) Act.
Bord's arguments:
4. (i) Staff from the Bord's Building Division and
Electrical and Mechanical Services Section met with
representatives from Dublin Corporation environmental
health section in July, 1986, to discuss their
reports on a number of the Bord's premises, including
Garryard House, and a meeting subsequently took place
on site. As a result, it was agreed that the Bord
would install twenty-five extract fans in the windows
throughout Garryard House to provide additional
circulation of fresh air. The contractor is due to
commence this work in January, 1987.
(ii) The heating and ventilation system in Garryard House
is not used solely for heating. Fresh air is
circulated but for comfort reasons is pre-heated to
about 21 C.
(iii) The repair of a number of leaks from the ducting
system necessitated the removal of many ceiling tiles
throughout the building. The contractors are now in
the process of replacing the tiles.
(iv) The Bord considers that every effort is being made to
rectify any problems that exist. This is being done
in consultation with the relevant authority from
Dublin Corporation. The environmental health officer
carried out a further inspection in December, 1986,
and her report is awaited.
RECOMMENDATION:
5. In view of the information contained in the Bord's submission
and the steps being taken to rectify the position, the Court
recommends that the Post Office Officials Association accept the
undertakings given by the Bord in respect of the necessary
improvements.
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court.
Evelyn Owens
__5th__February,__1987. ___________________
B. O'N. / M. F. Deputy Chairman