Labour Court Database __________________________________________________________________________________ File Number: CD87586 Case Number: LCR11468 Section / Act: S67 Parties: COMMUNITY GAMES - and - ITGWU |
Claim, on behalf of two clerical workers for an increase in pay.
Recommendation:
0
Division: CHAIRMAN Mr Shiel Mr Devine
Text of Document__________________________________________________________________
CD87586 THE LABOUR COURT LCR11468
CC87994 INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 1976
RECOMMENDATION NO. LCR11468
Parties: COMMUNITY GAMES
and
IRISH TRANSPORT AND GENERAL WORKERS' UNION
Subject:
1. Claim, on behalf of two clerical workers for an increase in
pay.
Background:
2. The Community Games organisation was founded in 1968 with the
object of encouraging sporting and cultural activities amongst
young people in 788 community areas throughout the 32 counties.
Representatives from the community areas proceed to county and
provincial level and a National Finals Festival is held annually.
The organisation is a voluntary one which receives grant aid from
the government. The total grant aid for 1986 and 1987 was #49,000
in each year. Four permanent staff are employed by the
organisation, a General Secretary, a Development Officer and two
clerical staff. The two clerical staff commenced their employment
as trainees under a National Manpower Service training scheme in
October, 1984, and February, 1986, respectively. Their training
was of 24 weeks duration. Each commenced on a salary of #50 per
week and in April, 1987 each was on a salary of #74.26 per week.
On 3rd April, 1987 the Union served a claim on their behalf for
pay parity with the Civil Service Clerical Officer grade (See
Appendix A). This claim was rejected. On 20th May a revised
claim was made (See Appendix A). Management offered #75 per week
plus an #8 weekly bonus but this was not acceptable to the Union.
The matter was referred, on 27th June, 1987 to the conciliation
service of the Labour Court. A conciliation conference took place
on 27th July, 1987. Management offered #85 per week but again
this was rejected. The matter was then referred to a full hearing
of the Labour Court. The hearing took place on 29th September,
1987 - the earliest date suitable to both parties.
Union's arguments:
3. (i) The Union considers that the low rates of pay of these
two clerical workers constitutes exploitation of young
workers in recessionary times. It also considers that
the Community Games may have been exploiting the
National Manpower Service employment schemes.
(ii) Job descriptions for both workers were supplied to the
Court. Both hold Leaving Certificate and provide a
more than adequate standard of service to comply with
their job descriptions. They were also given relevant
examinations prior to their employment.
(iii) The Union is seeking pay parity with the Civil Service
Clerical Officer grade on the basis that the jobs are
comparable.
(iv) The Union does not accept management's contention of
inability to pay. There is a steady and guaranteed
funding of the organisation from government and other
sources (details of accounts supplied).
Management's arguments:
4. (a) The Community Games is financially unable to concede
the claim for pay parity with the Civil Service
Clerical Officer Grade. The organisation is a
voluntary one dependent on grant aid and fund raising.
There is no guarantee from year to year as to the level
of government grant aid (details of grant aid over the
past six year were supplied). The organisation must
raise funds at least equal to the amount of the grant
in each year. Details of expenditure were also
supplied to the Court. The organisation contends that
this information illustrates its inability to meet the
claim.
(b) It is considered that the work carried out by the two
clerical employees is of a standard well below that
carried out by a clerical officer in the Civil Service.
(Details of the work carried out were supplied to the
Court). Management contends that the payment made is
adequate given the job content.
(c) Staffing is currently over the limit and it was because
of a charitable concern that the two workers were
retained after their 24 weeks Manpower experience. One
well experienced worker could currently serve the
organisation's needs.
RECOMMENDATION:
5. The Court having regard to the nature of the work performed by
the claimants recommends that they be placed on the minimum point
of the Civil Service Clerical Assistant scale* with effect from
1st January, 1988 and progress on the scale thereafter. The cost
of this recommendation should be included in the budget for
1987/88.
~
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
John M Horgan
3rd November, 1987 --------------
A.K./U.S. Chairman
*See appendix B
Appendix A
Age Civil Service | Revised Union Claim
Clerical Officer Scale |
------------------------------------|--------------------------
Per Week | Per Week
# | #
|
Under 19 113.00 | 93.00
At 19 118.88 | 103.00
At 20 123.88 | 107.00
At 21 130.97 | 114.00
At 22 137.82 | 124.00
At 23 144.70 | 134.00
At 24 & Over 149.28 | 144.00
154.99 | 154.00
158.43 | 158.00
163.03 | 163.00
168.30 | 168.00
173.48 | 173.00
179.06 | 179.00
186.98 | 186.00
206.00 | 206.00
Appendix B
The following is the current Clerical Assistant salary scale:-
#112.90 - 118.59 - 123.79 - 129.34
134.97 - 140.72 - 145.15 - 149.60
154.02 - 158.46 - 167.19