Labour Court Database __________________________________________________________________________________ File Number: CD92551 Case Number: LCR13786 Section / Act: S26(1) Parties: IARNROD EIREANN - and - TRANSPORT SALARIED STAFFS' ASSOCIATION |
Claim on behalf of staff employed in the booking offices for additional payment for operating "crouzet" ticket issuing machines.
Recommendation:
7. The Court having considered the submissions of the parties is
of the view that the only positive way of assessing the effects of
the introduction of the new Crouzet ticket issuing machines is in
the light of experience of their operation. Accordingly, the
Court recommends that the Union agree to the introduction of the
new machines for a period of six months after which the parties
should meet to discuss the effects of their operation.
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
9TH October, 1992 Evelyn Owens
M.D./M.H. -----------------------------------
Deputy Chairman.
Note
Enquiries concerning this Recommendation should be addressed to
Mr. Michael Daughen, Court Secretary.
Division: Ms Owens Mr McHenry Mr Rorke
Text of Document__________________________________________________________________
CD92551 RECOMMENDATION NO. LCR13786
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS 1946 TO 1990
SECTION 26(1) INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT, 1990
PARTIES: IARNROD EIREANN
AND
TRANSPORT SALARIED STAFFS' ASSOCIATION
SUBJECT:
1. Claim on behalf of staff employed in the booking offices for
additional payment for operating "crouzet" ticket issuing
machines.
BACKGROUND:
2. The Company proposes to replace its existing stock of ticket
issuing machines (installed in the early sixties) with crouzet
machines which are electronically based and are linked to a
central computer. In addition, the Company proposes to issue
portable versions of the new machines to train ticket collectors.
The machines would replace written "excess fare" ticket sales
books. A weekly flat payment of #5 is being offered to the train
ticket collectors for carrying and using the new machines.
3. The Association lodged a claim on behalf of clerical staff
for the payment of an allowance for operating the new machines on
the grounds that (1) the train ticket collectors had been offered
an allowance, (2) the new machines will result in staff savings
and (3) the new machines constitute new technology. The Company
rejected the claim as in its view it was replacing old machines
with new machines.
4. The dispute was referred to the Labour Relations Commission
on 10th June, 1992. A conciliation conference was held on 30th
June, 1992. As no agreement was reached the Commission, with the
consent of the parties, referred the dispute to the Labour Court
for investigation and recommendation under Section 26(1) of the
Industrial Relations Act, 1990, on 10th September, 1992. A Court
hearing took place on 24th September, 1992.
ASSOCIATION'S ARGUMENTS:
5. 1. The workers are being asked to accept much more than
just exchanging old machines for new. The new machines are
computer based and thus represent new technology. The
changes will greatly benefit the Company in that they will
have more up to date information and it will be able to
respond to market changes quicker.
2. It is inequitable that one group of workers should
receive an allowance while another group does not, for
operating the same machines.
3. The Association is not opposed to the introduction of
new technology but considers changes should be discussed
fully between the parties to ascertain the consequences for
all concerned before such changes are introduced.
COMPANY'S ARGUMENTS:
6. 1. The Company is replacing its old machines (which are
life expired) with new machines. Whilst there will be a
change in procedures the impact on the booking office staff
will be minimal.
2. The new machines do not constitute new technology. If
staff savings arise, the Company is prepared to enter into
discussions on changes in work practices leading to payroll
savings. Such savings would be shared on an equitable basis.
3. The situation of train ticket collectors is different in
that operating the new machines represents a departure from
existing work practices.
RECOMMENDATION:
7. The Court having considered the submissions of the parties is
of the view that the only positive way of assessing the effects of
the introduction of the new Crouzet ticket issuing machines is in
the light of experience of their operation. Accordingly, the
Court recommends that the Union agree to the introduction of the
new machines for a period of six months after which the parties
should meet to discuss the effects of their operation.
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
9TH October, 1992 Evelyn Owens
M.D./M.H. -----------------------------------
Deputy Chairman.
Note
Enquiries concerning this Recommendation should be addressed to
Mr. Michael Daughen, Court Secretary.