FULL RECOMMENDATION
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 1990 SECTION 26(1), INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT, 1990 PARTIES : UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK - AND - MANUFACTURING, SCIENCE, FINANCE DIVISION : Chairman: Ms Jenkinson Employer Member: Mr McHenry Worker Member: Mr. Somers |
1. Pay Increase.
BACKGROUND:
2. The dispute before the Court concerns a claim by the Union on behalf of six
receptionists employed at the University of Limerick for an improvement in their rate of
pay.
The Union states that the rate of pay for receptionists is low in comparison with the
clerical and administrative grades within the college and significantly below the
rates paid to similar staff in other universities.
The University states that, in 1999, the Grading Review Committee confirmed that the
grading and salary of the staff concerned was correct.
The issue could not be resolved locally and was the subject of a conciliation conference
under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission held on the 26th of April, 2000.
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 20th of April, 2001, the earliest date suitable to the parties.
UNION'S ARGUMENTS :
3. 1. The pay scale of the staff concerned is much lower than that paid to similar staff in other universities, even though they undertake a wider and more complex range of duties.
2. Due to the expansion of the University, the duties and responsibilities of the staff concerned have increased.
3. The present situation is unfair and unreasonable. The pay for receptionists should now be improved to reflect the increased duties and responsibilities of the post.
UNIVERSITY'S ARGUMENTS :
4. 1. In 1999, the staff concerned submitted job descriptions to the Grading Review Committee for upgrading. The committee did not recommend any of the posts for upgrading.
2. The staff concerned are paid in line with other groups employed in the college.
3. This claim cannot be conceded as it would have knock on implications throughout the University.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Court has given careful consideration to this claim for a salary increase for receptionist staff employed within the University. The Union maintain that the pay scale is too low in comparison with other clerical and administrative grades within the University and that the scales are out of line with comparable employments.
The University indicated that the scale is in line with other groups employed; it has been reviewed by the Grading Review Committee and found to be correctly graded.
The Court is aware of the discussions held at the conciliation conference where the University indicated its willingness to explore possibilities for improving the pay of receptionists. The Court recommends that these discussions should be resumed between the parties with a view to reaching a settlement of this claim, within the context of the existing grading structures.
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
Caroline Jenkinson
15th May, 2001______________________
G.B./C.C.Deputy Chairman
NOTE
Enquiries concerning this Recommendation should be addressed to Gerardine Buckley, Court Secretary.