FULL RECOMMENDATION
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 1990 SECTION 26(1), INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT, 1990 PARTIES : GALWAY CITY COUNCIL (REPRESENTED BY GALWAY CITY COUNCIL) - AND - SERVICES INDUSTRIAL PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL UNION DIVISION : Chairman: Mr McGee Employer Member: Mr Doherty Worker Member: Mr O'Neill |
1. Start and finishing times of shifts.
BACKGROUND:
2. As a direct result of the outbreak of cryptosporidium in the drinking water supply of the Galway City area, the 6 Caretakers based at Terryland Waterworks Treatment Plant were required to switch to a three cycle shift instead of the usual two in order to give 24 hour 7 day coverage. This coverage is expected to last for up to 18 months in total, by which time the automated Scada system should be fully operational and the requirement for cover may be reduced. In the meantime a dispute has arisen regarding the start and finishing times of the new 3 cycle shifts, currently as follows: 8am-4pm, 4pm-12am and 12am-8am. The Caretakers are seeking a more family friendly roster while the Council wish to keep the status quo, this is the only unresolved issue remaining.
The dispute could not be resolved at local level and was the subject of a Conciliation Conference under the auspices of the Labour Relations Commission. As agreement was not reached, the dispute was referred to the Labour Court on the 1st September, 2008 in accordance with Section 26(1) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1990. A Labour Court hearing took place on the 23rd October, 2008.
UNION'S ARGUMENTS:
3. 1. The start and finish times of the shifts should be timed to allow the Caretakers receive the maximum amount of rest, relaxation and time with their families. This could be achieved simply if the start and finishing times were moved two hours forward to avoid rush hour traffic which could cut up to 90 minutes travel time off the working day.
2. This is an opportunity for the Council to facilitate the Workers who have shown commitment by their willingness to be flexible at very short notice and work the new 3 shift pattern.
COMPANY'S ARGUMENTS:
4. 1. To move forward the start and finish times of each shift would mean that the Supervisor would not have the opportunity to liaise with each shift as they go off duty.
2. In the event of a caretaker being unavailable for work due to illness etc, an 8am start allows the Supervisor to make alternative arrangement to provide cover with other staff, with a 6am start this would not be possible.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Court recommends that the shift proposal made by the Management should be accepted as reasonable and should be worked by the Caretakers. A review should take place after 6 months to identify and discuss any problems which may arise.
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
Raymond McGee
31st October, 2008______________________
JFDeputy Chairman
NOTE
Enquiries concerning this Recommendation should be addressed to John Foley, Court Secretary.