Labour Court Database __________________________________________________________________________________ File Number: CD91579 Case Number: LCR13519 Section / Act: S26(1) Parties: CANTRELL AND COCHRANE (DUBLIN) LIMITED - and - SERVICES INDUSTRIAL PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL UNION |
Introduction of metrication.
Recommendation:
5. The Court having fully considered the views of the parties
does not find any grounds for the concession of the Union's claim.
Division: MrMcGrath Mr McHenry Mr Rorke
Text of Document__________________________________________________________________
CD91579 RECOMMENDATION NO. LCR13519
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 1990
SECTION 26(1), INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT, 1990
PARTIES: CANTRELL AND COCHRANE (DUBLIN) LIMITED
and
SERVICES INDUSTRIAL PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL UNION
SUBJECT:
1. Introduction of metrication.
BACKGROUND:
2. In 1982 the Company proposed the introduction of metrication
in the manufacturing area. The Union lodged a claim on behalf of
the workers concerned for an incentive payment as compensation for
its introduction. The Company rejected the claim. In early 1991
the Company again sought agreement for its introduction. The
Union claimed that metrication could not be introduced without
compensation. The Company rejected the claim. As no agreement
could be reached at local level the matter was referred to the
Labour Relations Commission on 8th April, 1991. A conciliation
conference was held on 29th April, 1991, and subsequent meetings
took place but as no agreement could be reached the matter was
referred to the Labour Court on 5th November, 1991 for
investigation and recommendation. The Court hearing took place on
26th November, 1991.
UNION ARGUMENTS:
3. 1. The Company allowed this matter to remain dormant since
1982 until earlier this year when they attempted to proceed
with metrication without reference to previous negotiations.
This delay increased the expectations of the workers that an
agreement would be reached.
2. While the workers are not refusing to implement the
completion of the metrication process they feel the Company is
at fault by totally dismissing previous negotiations.
COMPANY'S ARGUMENTS:
4. 1. All other areas in the Company operate the metric system.
No compensation payments were made for its introduction.
2. Acceptance of metrication would simplify operations for
the workers concerned. Raw materials in metric measure have
to be converted to imperial measure prior to use.
3. Metrication represents no increase in productivity to the
Company.
RECOMMENDATION:
5. The Court having fully considered the views of the parties
does not find any grounds for the concession of the Union's claim.
~
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
Tom McGrath
_________________
7th January, 1992 Deputy Chairman.
F.B./J.C.