FULL RECOMMENDATION
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 1990 SECTION 20(1), INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT, 1969 PARTIES : W.A. MC CALDINS LTD - AND - SERVICES INDUSTRIAL PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL UNION DIVISION : Chairman: Employer Member: Worker Member: |
1. Union recognition.
BACKGROUND:
2. In early March, 1996, approximately 14 workers employed by the Company joined the Union. On 19th March, 1996, the Union wrote to management requesting a meeting to discuss the rates of pay and conditions of employment of the workers concerned. The Company did not respond to the Union's letter.
The Union referred the matter to the Labour Relations Commission. The Company declined an invitation to attend a conciliation conference at the Labour Relations Commission and the Union referred the dispute to the Labour Court on 25th April, 1996 under Section 20(1) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1969. A Labour Court hearing took place on 15th May, 1996. Prior to the hearing the Company informed the Court that it would not be represented at the hearing.
UNION'S ARGUMENTS:
3. 1. Management has made no effort to meet the Union to discuss representation and negotiating rights on behalf of the workers concerned. The Union has a policy of dealing honourably with companies where it has organised membership.
2. The Union requests the Court to make a recommendation that in the interests of good staff relations, the Union be granted recognition to enable it to represent the workers concerned in accordance with normal industrial relations procedures.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Court notes that the Employer indicated that he would not attend the hearing.
Having considered the evidence presented from the Union the Court recommends that the Company recognise the Union's right to represent those employees it has in membership.
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
Evelyn Owens
7th June, 1996______________________
F.B./U.S.Chairman
NOTE
Enquiries concerning this Recommendation should be addressed to Fran Brennan, Court Secretary.