FULL RECOMMENDATION
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 1990 SECTION 26(1), INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT, 1990 PARTIES : EASON & SONS - AND - MANDATE DIVISION : Chairman: Mr Duffy Employer Member: Mr Grier Worker Member: Mr O'Neill |
1. Christmas bonus
BACKGROUND:
2. In August, 2007, the Union wrote to the Company seeking a meeting on a number of issues including increasing the Christmas bonus from 1 week to two week's pay. The claim would affect 45 workers employed in three of the Company's Cork shops. As the Company rejected the claim the dispute was referred to the Labour Relations Commissions and a conciliation conference took place. As the parties did not reach agreement the dispute was referred to the Labour Court on the 18th March, 2008, in accordance with Section 26(1) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1990. A Labour Court hearing took place on the 6th June, 2008, in Cork.
UNION'S ARGUMENTS:
3. 1. The Union believes that the Company is out of line as to what is the norm in the trade in relation to the Christmas bonus.
2. The parties have recently concluded a successful set of negotiations which will put the Company is a very strong financial position. There is no reason why the Company cannot increase the Christmas bonus and reward for their loyalty and years of service.
COMPANY'S ARGUMENTS:
4. 1. The Company's policy of paying one week's bonus at Christmas is not out of line with its competitors.
2. The Company believes that the claim is cost increasing and outside the terms of Towards 2016. Any concession of the claim would have major cost implications for the Company as there would certainly be knock-on claims.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is the Court's view that the Union's claim should not be pursued in respect of a single store within this group. For this and other reasons advanced by the Company in its submission, the Court does not recommend concession of the Union's claim.
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
Kevin Duffy
16th June, 2008______________________
CONChairman
NOTE
Enquiries concerning this Recommendation should be addressed to Ciaran O'Neill, Court Secretary.