Labour Court Database __________________________________________________________________________________ File Number: CD92255 Case Number: LCR13707 Section / Act: S20(1) Parties: IRISH RAIL - and - SERVICES INDUSTRIAL PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL UNION |
Claim by the Union on behalf of two workers for reduced rate commuter tickets on provincial bus services.
Recommendation:
5. Having considered the submissions from the parties the Court,
whilst having sympathy for this claim as presented, is of the view
that the matter would be more appropriately addressed at Group
level.
The Court accordingly does not recommend concession of the claim.
Division: Ms Owens Mr Keogh Ms Ni Mhurchu
Text of Document__________________________________________________________________
CD92255 RECOMMENDATION NO. LCR13707
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 1990
SECTION 20(1), INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT, 1969
PARTIES: IRISH RAIL
AND
SERVICES INDUSTRIAL PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL UNION
SUBJECT:
1. Claim by the Union on behalf of two workers for reduced rate
commuter tickets on provincial bus services.
BACKGROUND:
2. Irish Rail provide a reduced rate commuter ticket concession
for staff. The concession only applies to City bus services
(Dublin and Provincial). The two workers concerned live near
Navan and work in Dublin. They use the inter urban bus service
provided by Bus Eireann. This service is not covered by the
reduced rate concession and they have to pay the full bus fare.
The Union claims that the reduced fare concession should be
extended to the workers concerned. The Company rejects the claim.
The Union referred the matter to the Labour Court under Section
20(1) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1969. Prior to the hearing
the Union agreed to be bound by the Recommendation of the Court.
The Court investigated the dispute on 29th June, 1992.
UNIONS ARGUMENTS:
3. 1. Because the workers concerned live outside the Dublin
Commuter area and use the inter urban service they do not
qualify for any concession on the cost of travel to work.
They earn relatively low wages and the cost is a huge burden
for them. The granting of a reduced fare rate would be of
great benefit to them.
2. The Company claims that if the concession were granted
it would have repercussive effects. The workers concerned
are the only two seeking the concession. There are no
repercussive effects and granting of the concession would not
be a major cost to the Company.
COMPANY'S ARGUMENTS:
4. 1. The Union's claim is for a concession on the services of
Bus Eireann, a separate Company. When the Union made the
claim the request was put to management of Bus Eireann who
examined it in conjunction with the Coras Iompar Eireann
Group. For commercial reasons they were unable to grant the
concession. Such concessions must be at the discretion of
the company requested to provide the facility.
2. While the Union has indicated that if the concession
were granted it would not be used as a precedent for others,
the Company is satisfied that it could lead to repercussive
claims. It could also have repercussive effects for Bus
Eireann as such a concession is not available to its own
staff.
3. Staff of the Company do not have an entitlement to free
or reduced travel rates. Travel facilities are enjoyed as a
concession and not as a right. While requests for new
facilities are considered sympathetically the Coras Iompar
Eireann Group must have the final say in the matter.
RECOMMENDATION:
5. Having considered the submissions from the parties the Court,
whilst having sympathy for this claim as presented, is of the view
that the matter would be more appropriately addressed at Group
level.
The Court accordingly does not recommend concession of the claim.
~
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
13th July, 1992 Evelyn Owens
A.S./M.H. -----------------------------
Deputy Chairman.
NOTE
Enquiries concerning this Recommendation should be addressed to
Mr. Alfie Smith, Court Secretary.