FULL RECOMMENDATION
SECTION 20(1), INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT, 1969 PARTIES : KEENAN ALLTECH/ALLTECH FARMING SOLUTIONS LIMITED/KEENAN AN ALLTECH COMPANY - AND - SERVICES INDUSTRIAL PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL UNION DIVISION : Chairman: Ms O'Donnell Employer Member: Ms Connolly Worker Member: Mr McCarthy |
1. Union Recognition.
BACKGROUND:
2. This dispute concerns a claim for Union recognition. SIPTU wish to represent a significant number of members and negotiate on their behalf on a collective basis.The Union referred the case to the Labour Court on 30 May 2017 in accordance with Section 20(1) of the Industrial Relations Act,1969, and agreed to be bound by the Court's Recommendation.
UNION’S ARGUMENTS:
3. 1. The Union's members wish to engage collectively with the Company on contractual and pay related issues.
2. The Union believes that their request for the Company to engage with the Union to be fair and reasonable.
3. To date they have found themselves in a position where the Company refuses to engage with them.
EMPLOYER'S ARGUMENTS:
4. 1. It is neither necessary nor appropriate for the Labour Court to recommend that the Company recognises SIPTU for collective bargaining purposes or otherwise.
2. The Company operates a long standing practice of direct engagement with its employees on all employee issues, including those affecting their terms and conditions of employment.
3. The Company prides itself on its ability to deal with employee issues individually, treating all employees with the respect they deserve.
RECOMMENDATION:
The Court recommends that the company should recognise the Union as the representative of those employees who are in membership of the Union and should engage with it in dealing with employment related matters arising within the employment affecting those members.
Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
Louise O'Donnell
13 July 2017.______________________
MNDeputy Chairman
NOTE
Enquiries concerning this Recommendation should be addressed to Michael Neville, Court Secretary.