FULL RECOMMENDATION
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 1990 SECTION 26(1), INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT, 1990 PARTIES : KRAFT FOODS IRELAND LIMITED - AND - UNITE DIVISION : Chairman: Mr Duffy Employer Member: Ms Cryan Worker Member: Mr Shanahan |
1. Move to Monthly Pay from 4 Weekly Pay
BACKGROUND:
2. This case concerns a dispute between the Company and Union in relation to changing the frequency of salary payments. The Company is seeking to implement monthly pay as opposed to the current system of every four weeks. The change is required as a result of Kraft Foods acquiring the former Cadburys Limited and moving its clerical and administrative functions to the old Cadburys site in Coolock. The Union contends that the new method of payment could result in its members experiencing difficulties as their financial commitments are based on being paid every four weeks. The Union further contends that this matter could be disposed as part of the forthcoming discussions on harmonisation of terms and conditions of employment.
The dispute was not 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 in accordance with Section 26(1) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1990. A Labour Court hearing took place on 10th January 2012.
UNION'S ARGUMENTS:
3 1 This issue is only one of many other changes that the Company requires into the future. It would be more appropriate for this matter to be discussed and agreed as part of those wider negotiations as opposed to a stand alone issue that is conceded prior to the other discussions taking place.
2 As a temporary measure the Company could maintain four weekly payment for the staff and manually adjust the payment system to facilitate this or go on to weekly pay like the production operatives.
COMPANY'S ARGUMENTS:
4 1 The Company needs to have one payroll system in place for both the former Cadburys staff and the Kraft employees. It would not be possible or practical to continue to have different methods and frequencies of salary payment in place
2 The Company is prepared to offer assistance to those staff who may be concerned in relation to the changeover.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Court recommends that the Union should now agree to the change proposed. This should be acknowledged by the Company in writing as a concession on the Union's part and it should be taken into account as such in upcoming negotiations on other outstanding matters. It is further noted that the Company are prepared to provide assistance to affected staff in dealing with financial matters consequent upon the changed payment arrangements. The Company should proceed to provide such facilities.
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
Kevin Duffy
1st February 2012______________________
AHChairman
NOTE
Enquiries concerning this Recommendation should be addressed to Andrew Heavey, Court Secretary.