LCR22234

1.Seeking a Pay Increase for 2019

BACKGROUND:

2.This dispute concerns a pay increase for 2019. The Union referred this case to the Labour Court on 11 February 2020 in accordance with Section 20 (1) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1969, and agreed to be bound by the Court’s Recommendation. A Labour Court hearing took place on 2 June 2020.


UNION’S ARGUMENTS:

3. 1. The Union is seeking a 5% pay increase for 2019.

2. The Union states that their Members currently contribute to the profitability of the Company.

3. The Union contends that the Company has refused to return to Conciliation.

EMPLOYER'S ARGUMENTS:

4. 1. The Employer considers the implementation of a polyvalence scheme and a performance bonus as the preferred way to reward and enhance employees’ remuneration going forward.

2. The Employer considers the issues surrounding the uncertainty of Brexit and the volatility with sterling as a considerable negative factor for the business.

3. The Employer has implemented 2% increases annually over the last three years , this has eroded the Company’s competitiveness.

RECOMMENDATION:

Background to the Dispute

The dispute was referred to the Court on 11 February 2020 under section 20(1) of the Industrial Relations Act 1969. A sitting of the Court to consider the dispute took place on 2 June 2020.

SIPTU is seeking a 5% pay increase for 2019 on behalf of its members employed by Sleever International Limited (‘the Company’). The Company submits that it wishes to introduce a polyvalence pay scheme and a performance bonus with effect from 2020 going forward. It further submits that the implementation of a general pay increase year-on-year has eroded its competitive position. The Company has not made any proposal with regard to a pay increase for 2019.

Recommendation
Having considered the Parties’ respective submissions, the Court recommends that the Parties should re-engage at local level, if necessary with the assistance of the Conciliation Service of the Workplace Relations Commission. If agreement cannot be reached in that forum, it is open to the Parties to return to the Court pursuant to section 26 of the Industrial Relations Act 1990.

The Court so recommends.

	Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
	Alan Haugh
MK	______________________
27 July 2020	Deputy Chairman