LCR23006

PARTIES:

DIVISION:

SUBJECT:

Referral under Section 20(1) Industrial Relations Act 1969.

BACKGROUND:

The Workers referred this case to the Labour Court on 23 April 2024 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 4 July 2024.

RECOMMENDATION:

The Court has given careful consideration to the written and oral submissions of the parties.

The parties are agreed that the trade union is recognised for bargaining purposes by the employer. The trade union argues that notwithstanding this fact, no collective bargaining with the employer takes place.

The employer increased pay by 2% in April 2024 and confirmed to the Court that a further 1% pay increase will follow in the coming weeks.

In all of the circumstances the Court recommends:

1. That the parties engage directly to conclude a straightforward comprehensive agreement which provides for engagement between the employer and the trade union on terms and conditions of employment including pay, and the use of conciliation at the WRC and referral if necessary to the Labour Court where disputes arise.
2. That the parties should engage before the end of 2024 to agree pay arrangements in 2024.
3. That, as a gesture of good will, the employer confirm that a bonus of €500 will be paid at Christmas of 2025, and that details of a bonus scheme to apply into the future be agreed early in 2025.

The Court so recommends.

	Signed on behalf of the Labour Court
	Kevin Foley
AR	______________________
6 August 2024	Chairman

NOTE

Enquiries concerning this Recommendation should be addressed to Aidan Ralph, Court Secretary.