FULL RECOMMENDATION
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 1990 SECTION 26(1), INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT, 1990 PARTIES : MURRAY TIMBER GROUP (REPRESENTED BY IRISH BUSINESS AND EMPLOYERS' CONFEDERATION) - AND - SERVICES INDUSTRIAL PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL UNION DIVISION : Chairman: Mr Hayes Employer Member: Mr Murphy Worker Member: Mr Shanahan |
1. Pay increase of 5% from 1st January, 2013.
BACKGROUND:
2. Since the demise of the National Wage Agreement in 2008 Workers in the Company have not received a pay increase. The Union is claiming a 5% increase in pay. Management rejects the claim.
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 18th November, 2013, in accordance with Section 26(1) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1990.
A Labour Court hearing took place on the 13th March, 2014.
UNION'S ARGUMENTS:
3. 1. The Workers have had to endure the austerity measures introduced in successive budgets coupled with higher taxation which has resulted in a reduction in their take home pay.
2. The modest increase being sought will not adversely impact the Company.
COMPANY'S ARGUMENTS:
4. 1. Since the economic downturn the Company has had to take steps to remain viable and maintain employment levels in a very competitive market.
2. Historically the Company has always met it's commitments under the National Wage Agreements, however, any increase in pay will inevitably challenge the security of employment within the Company.
RECOMMENDATION:
Having carefully considered the submissions of both parties to this dispute the Court recommends that the Company increase the pay of the Workers concerned by 2% for twelve months with effect from 1st August 2014.
The Court so recommends.
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
Brendan Hayes
6th June, 2014______________________
JFDeputy Chairman
NOTE
Enquiries concerning this Recommendation should be addressed to John Foley, Court Secretary.