FULL RECOMMENDATION
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 2001 SECTION 13(9), INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT, 1969 PARTIES : BORD NA GCON (REPRESENTED BY IRISH BUSINESS AND EMPLOYERS' CONFEDERATION) - AND - A WORKER (REPRESENTED BY SERVICES INDUSTRIAL PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL UNION) DIVISION : Chairman: Mr Duffy Employer Member: Mr Carberry Worker Member: Ms Ni Mhurchu |
1. Appeal of Rights Commissioner's Recommendation IR 7710/02/GF.
BACKGROUND:
2. The worker commenced employment as assistant Tote Manager at Waterford Greyhound Track in 1965. He was employed on a part-time basis. The Union claims that the worker was informed that, because of his age, he was being let go along with three of his colleagues who were in a similar position. No provision was made for a severance package which led to the claimant resigning in protest at the manner of his treatment.
Management rejects the Union's claim. It states that the claimant had passed the retirement age.
The dispute was the subject of a Rights Commissioner's hearing which took place on the eh 18th of July, 2002. The following is the Rights Commissioner's Recommendation:-
"I do not propose to make any comment on the issue of age/resignation/dismissal other than to say I believe he was correct in his impression that the Board had treated him badly in making no appropriate provision for his parting. Therefore, I recommend he be provided with the sum of €1500 in full and final settlement of this dispute"
Management appealed the Recommendation on the 13th September, 2002, in accordance with Section 13(9) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1969. The Court investigated the dispute in Waterford on the 23rd October, 2002.
MANAGEMENT'S ARGUMENTS:
3. 1. There is no justification in the claim for compensation. The worker resigned his position.
2. Management acknowledges and appreciates the long service of the claimant but this does not confer any entitlement on him for compensation.
3. In choosing to resign the worker did not allow management an opportunity to enter into discussions with him with regard to a mutually acceptable retirement date.
4. It is a long standing custom practice within Bord Na gCon that occasions of retirement are celebrated through a formal presentation of Waterford Glass in appreciation of an individual's service to the Organisation.
5. Management is concerned at the possible knock-on effects of the Rights Commissioner's Recommendation.
UNION'S ARGUMENTS:
4. 1. The worker was treated badly by management after the worker's long and loyal service to the Organisation.
2. The worker was shocked and hurt when told that his employment was being terminated because of his age.
3. The Board's own "Conditions of Employment" for totalisator staff does not mention age or any conditional stipulation in respect to age.
4. The Union requests the Court to uphold the Rights Commissioner's Recommendation.
DECISION:
The Court is satisfied that the claimant's contract of employment did not contain any express provision as to retirement. Furthermore, the practice within the organisation was such that the claimant had a legitimate expectation that he could continue in employment for as long as he was fit to do so.
In the Court's view the Board was entitled to introduce a retirement age. However since this involved a change in the terms under which the claimant was originally employed, it is not unreasonable that some compensation would be paid.
In the circumstances the Court determines that the claimant be paid an ex-gratia payment of €1,500.
Whilst the Rights Commissioner recommendation is upheld as to the payment it is varied as to the reasons and the classification of the payment.
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
Kevin Duffy
7th November, 2002______________________
LW/MB.Deputy Chairman
NOTE
Enquiries concerning this Decision should be addressed to Larry Wisely, Court Secretary.