FULL RECOMMENDATION
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 1990 SECTION 26(1), INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT, 1990 PARTIES : TEAGASC - AND - MANUFACTURING, SCIENCE, FINANCE DIVISION : Chairman: Mr Duffy Employer Member: Mr Keogh Worker Member: Mr O'Neill |
1. Promotion.
BACKGROUND:
2. The dispute before the Court concerns a claim by the Union on behalf of approximately 125 research staff regarding promotional opportunities. Up to 1986 research staff were promoted to senior levels on a yearly basis. Since 1986 there have been no promotions, except in 1994, following a Labour Court Recommendation, there were 19 promotions on a cost neutral basis. Since 1995, discussions at local level regarding promotions have failed. The Union now seeks the immediate promotion of 12 staff.
The dispute was the subject of a conciliation conference under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission held on the 24th of November, 1998. As agreement was not reached the dispute was referred to the Labour Court in accordance with Section 26(1) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1990. A Labour Court hearing took place on the 27th of August, 1999, the earliest date suitable to the parties.
UNION'S ARGUMENTS:
3. 1. Up to 1986 promotion of research staff occurred annually, in situ and on the basis of scientific merit.
2. There have been no promotions since 1986 except the 19 promotions in 1994 following a Labour Court Recommendation.
3. The lack of promotions has an affect on staff morale which could cause problems for management. The immediate promotion of 12 staff is now sought by the Union.
EMPLOYER'S ARGUMENTS:
4. 1. The research staff have been treated fairly by the Organisation regarding promotions and progress has been made in agreeing a final Staff Establishment from which vacancies could be filled.
2. Vacancies in the research grade will be among the issues discussed in the January, 2000 review.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Court recommends that the parties should resume negotiations on the claim with a view to providing promotions on a cost neutral basis which does not adversely affect the Organisation's staffing structure.
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
Kevin Duffy
16th September, 1999______________________
G.B./D.T.Deputy Chairman
NOTE
Enquiries concerning this Recommendation should be addressed to Gerardine Buckley, Court Secretary.