FULL RECOMMENDATION
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 1990 SECTION 26(1), INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT, 1990 PARTIES : IARNROD EIREANN - AND - SERVICES INDUSTRIAL PROFESSIONAL & TECHNICAL UNION DIVISION : Chairman: Mr Duffy Employer Member: Ms Cryan Worker Member: Mr Shanahan |
1. Promotional positions - Tralee station controllers.
BACKGROUND:
2. The dispute concerns the filling of two out of three Station Controller positions in Tralee. Management propose to have both posts filled at Traffic Co-ordinator grade rather than at the more senior Station Controller grade. The Union are in favour of retaining all three Station Controller positions.
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 30th April, 2013, in accordance with Section 26(1) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1990. A Labour Court hearing took place on the 18th July, 2013.
UNION'S ARGUMENTS:
3. 1. The three Station Controller posts should be retained as they provide promotional opportunities for staff based in Tralee. Staff would now, if the proposal were to be imposed, have to move to either Cork or Limerick in order to achieve promotion.
2. The Union has agreements on Station Controller numbers within each location i.e. Heuston, Connolly, Tralee, Limerick etc. The Union would accept that those appointed would not be entered into the Supervisors and Clerical Executive Pension Scheme and accept the terms as agreed following discussions on Rule 29B.
COMPANY'S ARGUMENTS:
4. 1. The responsibilities associated with Station Controller grade have reduced along with the volume of work at Tralee Station. Stations in Sligo, Ballina and Limerick Junction have similar work carried out at the grade of Traffic Co-ordinator or lower. The decision to backfill the roster at a lesser grade was made on the basis of ever decreasing workload for example the freight business has ceased, signal cabins have closed and level-crossing gates have been automated.
2. The supervision of staff has diminished to such an extent that the posts can now be done quite comfortably by a Traffic Co-ordinator grade.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Court recommends that the Company's position be accepted but that it be kept under review.
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
Kevin Duffy
9th August, 2013______________________
JFChairman
NOTE
Enquiries concerning this Recommendation should be addressed to John Foley, Court Secretary.