FULL RECOMMENDATION
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 1990 SECTION 26(1), INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT, 1990 PARTIES : CENTRAL AND REGIONAL FISHERIES BOARD - AND - SERVICES INDUSTRIAL PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL UNION DIVISION : Chairman: Mr Duffy Employer Member: Mr Keogh Worker Member: Mr O'Neill |
1. Rehearing arising from LCR16093.
BACKGROUND:
2. The dispute concerns management's right to logo the Company's vehicles operated by field staff. The Union are objecting to this on health and safety grounds. The subject formed part of Recommendation LRC 16093 which was heard on 3rd December 1998. Negotiations held locally failed to resolve this issue and the matter was referred to the Court by the Employerfor clarification. A Labour Court Hearing took place on 11th April 2001.
EMPLOYERS ARGUMENTS:
3. 1. As part of the O.C.W. Restructuring Agreement for Field Grades, the Union
agreed to the introduction of logos on transport and equipment. 2. Staff safety is of paramount importance in the Company. 3. 4 out of 7 Regional Fisheries Boards have fixed logos. 4. This change measure has been "bought and paid for".
UNIONS ARGUMENTS:
4. 1. Members do not object to the attachment of an identifying logo per se. 2. Because of genuine concerns for their safety and health, workers are of the view that the logos should be removable and used at the discretion of the individual officer. 3. Officers sometimes work in hostile environments and vehicles used by the
Officers have been attacked.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Court accepts that the use of logos on Board vehicles was provided for in the PCW
agreement reached between the parties and endorsed by the Court in LCR 16093. It is
noted that there is no dispute as to the principle of using logoed vehicles.
With regard to the present dispute, the Court recommends the parties should identify specific situations in which it is considered appropriate to use unmarked vehicles and that a number of such vehicles should be maintained for such use. In all other situations the logo should be used.
The Court further recommends that the monitoring group recommended in LCR16093, should keep the situation with regard to the use of logoed vehicles under review.
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
Kevin Duffy
8th May, 2001______________________
HMcD/BRDeputy Chairman
NOTE
Enquiries concerning this Recommendation should be addressed to Helena McDermott, Court Secretary.