Labour Court Database __________________________________________________________________________________ File Number: CD93362 Case Number: LCR14156 Section / Act: S26(1) Parties: ORMOND PRINTING COMPANY LIMITED - and - GRAPHICAL, PAPER AND MEDIA UNION |
Manning levels on a new printing machine.
Recommendation:
5. The Court has considered the arguments of both principle and
pragmatism presented in the submissions of the parties and the
extensive oral evidence given at the hearing.
The background to the introduction of the 6-colour machine was
unusual in so far as availability rather than choice was the
deciding factor in a crisis situation following the storm damage.
The PARVA machine would not have been directly replaced in any
circumstances because it was outmoded but a 4-colour perfector
machine would have replaced it in this instance had such a machine
been available. Had such a replacement been made, the Court would
not find justification for a manning different to the original 4
colour perfectors i.e. two printers without a designated assistant
but with the involvement of an assistant when considered
necessary.
The Court therefore recommends that the manning of the 6-colour
machine should be the same as for the 4-colour machine but that
when it is required to operate beyond a 4-colour capacity the
question of assistants should be a matter of discussion between
the parties.
Division: Mr Heffernan Mr Keogh Mr Rorke
Text of Document__________________________________________________________________
CD93362 RECOMMENDATION NO. LCR14156
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 1990
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT, 1990
SECTION 26(1)
PARTIES: ORMOND PRINTING COMPANY LIMITED
(Represented by The Irish Printing Federation)
and
GRAPHICAL, PAPER AND MEDIA UNION
SUBJECT:
1. Manning levels on a new printing machine.
BACKGROUND:
2. In January, 1993 the Company suffered severe storm damage
which resulted in the destruction of three 4-colour printing
machines. The only immediate available equipment was one 4
colour, one 2-colour, and one 6-colour machine. By custom and
practice the crewing level on the 4-colour machine was two
printers and one assistant when considered necessary. Management
proposed that the new 6-colour printing machine be crewed by two
printers with no assistants. The Union rejected the Company's
proposal. The issue was referred to the Labour Relations
Commission and a conciliation conference was held on the 4th May,
1993. As no agreement could be reached the dispute was referred
to the Labour Court on the 31st May, 1993. A Court hearing was
held on the 15th July, 1993.
UNION'S ARGUMENTS:
3. 1. It is normal practice throughout the print industry that
the manning level for a 6-colour printing press is two
printers and two assistants. When the Company's 4-colour
press was in operation the normal manning level was two
printers and one assistant. The new machine is larger and
more complex and must have the proper manning level which
includes assistants.
2. If the Company's proposals are accepted they will
eventually have the effect of eliminating the positions of
assistants. Other companies in the industry cater for the
need to designate assistants to colour machines. The workers
in the Company should have no less favourable conditions or
work opportunities than similar firms in the industry.
COMPANY'S ARGUMENTS:
4. 1. Many firms in the printing industry operate 6-colour
printing machines with only two printers. The Union's claim
for extra manning is based on outdated historical manning
levels.
2. The new machine has modern computer-aided presses and
high speed make-ready kits. It is perfectly feasible to
operate this press with two printers.
3. Concession of the Union's claim will increase company
costs by approximately #40,000 p.a. during a period when
prices are continuously falling in the industry. This cost
cannot be sustained and would make the Company uncompetitive.
RECOMMENDATION:
5. The Court has considered the arguments of both principle and
pragmatism presented in the submissions of the parties and the
extensive oral evidence given at the hearing.
The background to the introduction of the 6-colour machine was
unusual in so far as availability rather than choice was the
deciding factor in a crisis situation following the storm damage.
The PARVA machine would not have been directly replaced in any
circumstances because it was outmoded but a 4-colour perfector
machine would have replaced it in this instance had such a machine
been available. Had such a replacement been made, the Court would
not find justification for a manning different to the original 4
colour perfectors i.e. two printers without a designated assistant
but with the involvement of an assistant when considered
necessary.
The Court therefore recommends that the manning of the 6-colour
machine should be the same as for the 4-colour machine but that
when it is required to operate beyond a 4-colour capacity the
question of assistants should be a matter of discussion between
the parties.
~
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
Kevin Heffernan
26th July, 1993 ----------------
T O'D/U.S. Chairman