FULL RECOMMENDATION
INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 1990 SECTION 26(1), INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT, 1990 PARTIES : UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN - AND - UNITE THE UNION SERVICES INDUSTRIAL PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL UNION DIVISION : Chairman: Mr Hayes Employer Member: Ms Doyle Worker Member: Ms Tanham |
1. Media services relocation.
BACKGROUND:
2. The case before the Court concerns a dispute between the Employer and the Unions in relation to the relocation of the Media Services facility within University College Dublin. The dispute relates specifically to the Unions' claim that the proposed space allocation within the new location is inadequate and is not fit for purpose. The Unions contend that the relocation to the new facility will prohibit the Department from carrying out its role efficiently and effectively and this will ultimately lead to the outsourcing of its work. The Employer rejects the Unions' claim and agreement could not be reached on the matter.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 May, 2015, in accordance with Section 26(1) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1990. A Labour Court hearing took place on the 12th June, 2015.
UNIONS' ARGUMENTS:
3. 1. There is no apparent reason as to why Management has taken the decision to relocate the Media Services facility.
2. The new location for the facility is inadequate in terms of space and is therefore unworkable.
3. The new location will prevent the team from carrying out its work and delivering the services to the best of its ability.
EMPLOYER'S ARGUMENTS:
4. 1. The relocation of the facility will move the team closer to the broader IT Services and will make it more widely accessible to the College as a whole.
2. The new facility has been developed following expert consultation.
3. The current premises is required for the expansion of library services. It is Management's view that the current premises will better suit this requirement.
RECOMMENDATION:
Having carefully considered the submissions of both parties to this dispute the Court finds Management's proposals are reasonable and should be accepted by the Unions in this case.
The Court notes Management's assurances that the changes it is introducing are designed to integrate the Department more closely with the broader I.T. services in the College and that there are no plans that will give rise to the necessity to outsource any of the work of the Department.
The Court so recommends.
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
Brendan Hayes
2nd July 2015______________________
SCDeputy Chairman
NOTE
Enquiries concerning this Recommendation should be addressed to Sharon Cahill, Court Secretary.