Labour Court Database __________________________________________________________________________________ File Number: CD87337 Case Number: LCR11243 Section / Act: S67 Parties: NORISH PLC - and - ITGWU |
Claims for an increase in wages and the cold store allowance under the 26th wage round on behalf of 12 workers.
Recommendation:
5. The Court having considered submissions from both parties
recommends as follows in relation to the 26th wage round claims:-
#230 in respect of the period October to December, 1986;
5% from 1st January, 1987 to 31st December, 1987.
The Court does not recommend any increase in the cold-store
allowance.
Division: Ms Owens Mr Shiel Ms Ni Mhurchu
Text of Document__________________________________________________________________
CD87337 THE LABOUR COURT LCR11243
CC87187 INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 1976
RECOMMENDATION NO. LCR11243
PARTIES: NORISH PLC.
AND
IRISH TRANSPORT AND GENERAL WORKERS' UNION
Subject:
1. Claims for an increase in wages and the cold store allowance
under the 26th wage round on behalf of 12 workers.
Background:
2. The Company operates a cold-store in Castleblayney. The 25th
wage round expired on 30th September, 1986. At a meeting held on
16th January, 1987 the Union lodged the following claim for an
increase of 10% on basic rates from 1st October, 1986 for a period
of twelve months and the cold-store allowance to be increased to
15% of basic pay. In response, the Company offered a lump sum
payment of #230 to cover the period 1st October, 1986 to 31st
December, 1986, followed by an increase of 4% from 1st January,
1987 to 31st March, 1988, and no increase on the cold-store
allowance. This offer was rejected by the Union and the matter
was referred to the conciliation service of the Labour Court on
30th January, 1987. A conciliation conference was held on the
24th February, 1987. As no agreement was possible both parties
agreed to a referral to the Labour Court for investigation and
recommendation. A Court hearing was held in Dundalk on 6th May,
1987.
Union's arguments:
3. (a) The Company has recently been quoted on the stock
market. They have made substantial profits and are
well able to pay the level of increase sought.
(b) The Company's offer is below the norm for the 26th wage
round which is 6.8% for an average duration of 13.7
months.
(c) The claim for an increase in the cold-store allowance
is on behalf of four truck drivers. The present rate
of the allowance is 12.50% of basic pay. The workers
duties involve them in working in sub-zero temperatures
and under the circumstances the increase sought is
considered fair and reasonable.
Company's arguments:
4. (i) The Company has to face increased competition which
has resulted in substantial reductions in customer
rates from 5% to 15%.
(ii) The Company's business is also affected by major
reductions in E.E.C. stock levels of beef and butter.
The Company's main suppliers are now operating on a
two day week basis due to these cutbacks.
(iii) Extra workers were taken on in 1986 to alleviate
problems highlighted due to overtime and extras. If
the Union's demands are met, this would lead to an
inevitable cutback in staffing requirements.
(iv) The 1985/86 Agreement specified that the 12.50%
cold-store allowance was final once and for all.
RECOMMENDATION:
5. The Court having considered submissions from both parties
recommends as follows in relation to the 26th wage round claims:-
#230 in respect of the period October to December, 1986;
5% from 1st January, 1987 to 31st December, 1987.
The Court does not recommend any increase in the cold-store
allowance.
~
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court.
Evelyn Owens
___15th___June,___1987. ___________________
M. D. / M. F. Deputy Chairman