FULL RECOMMENDATION
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 2001 SECTION 20(1), INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT, 1969 PARTIES : COUNTRYWIDE FREIGHT IRELAND LIMITED (REPRESENTED BY IRISH BUSINESS AND EMPLOYERS' CONFEDERATION) - AND - SERVICES INDUSTRIAL PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL UNION DIVISION : Chairman: Ms Jenkinson Employer Member: Mr Carberry Worker Member: Mr O'Neill |
1. Union recognition.
BACKGROUND:
2. The dispute before the Court concerns a claim by the Union on behalf of it's members seeking union recognition by the Company.
- Attempts to resolve the issue at local level failed when the Company declined to meet with the Union to discuss the matter.
The issue was referred to the Labour Court on the 12th March 2003, in accordance with Section 20(1) of the Industrial Relations Act 1969. A Labour Court hearing took place on the 9th July, 2003, the earliest date suitable to both parties.
UNION'S ARGUMENTS:
3 1. The Company declined to meet the Union to discuss the issue in dispute.
2. The workers have a right to representation within the Company.
3The Union maintains that it contributed to the improvements in working conditions that have taken place within the Company.
COMPANY'S ARGUMENTS:
4. 1. The Company will agree to individual representation but is opposed to collective recognition.
2.The Company wishes to continue dealing directly with staff as it maintains this has been a successful relationship.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Court having considered the submission of both parties recommends that the Company should accept the Union's right to represent, collectively and individually, those employees in its membership.
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
Caroline Jenkinson
11th August, 2003______________________
J. O'C/JBDeputy Chairman
NOTE
Enquiries concerning this Recommendation should be addressed to Jo O'Connor, Court Secretary.