LCR22408

FULL RECOMMENDATION

SECTION 26(1), INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT, 1990

PARTIES :

BALL BEVERAGE PACKAGING IRELAND LIMITED
(REPRESENTED BY IBEC)

- AND -

130 WORKERS
(REPRESENTED BY SERVICES INDUSTRIAL PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL UNION)

DIVISION :

SUBJECT:

1.Pay Claim

BACKGROUND:

2.This dispute could not be resolved at local level and was the subject of a Conciliation Conference under the auspices of the Workplace Relations Commission. As agreement was not reached, the dispute was referred to the Labour Court on 4 March, 2021 in accordance with Section 26(1) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1990. A Labour Court hearing took place on 4 May, 2021.

UNION’S ARGUMENTS:

3. 1. The Union believe it is only fair and reasonable to seek a modest 3% increase per year for two years.

2. The Union states that there is an expectation that their members would attain at the very least an increase above what was brokered over the curtailment years.

EMPLOYER'S ARGUMENTS:

4. 1. Business circumstances are such that capacity to take on the cost of an increase is limited.

2. Pay increase to employees have always been fair and equitable, the challenge is to do so at a rate that does not compromise the competitive position of the plant.



RECOMMENDATION:

The Court has given very careful consideration to the written and oral submissions of the parties. The Court notes the extensive nature of the engagements between the parties and the evolution of the positions of the parties over the course of those negotiations.

The Court has noted the concern of the company as regards the nature of competition within the corporation and has also noted the current positive nature of the operation in Waterford.

The Company has offered an increase of 2.25% per annum for 2020 and 2021. The Trade Union seeks increases of 3% in both 2020 and 2021.

Having regard to all of the circumstances, the Court recommends that the dispute be resolved by way of payment of an increase of 2.5% in 2020 and 2.25% in 2021.

The Court so recommends.

NOTE

Enquiries concerning this Recommendation should be addressed to Clodagh O'Reilly, Court Secretary.