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Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 2 May 1996

Vol. 464 No. 8

Written Answers. - Industrial Disputes.

Tom Kitt

Question:

75 Mr. T. Kitt asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the action, if any, he has taken to help resolve the industrial dispute at the Institute for Action and Research on Work and Employment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8957/96]

The dispute in question was resolved earlier this week. The Labour Relations Commission, whose assistance was sought by the parties involved, suggested a way forward, following which the parties were able to agree a settlement.

Seamus Brennan

Question:

76 Mr. S. Brennan asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the serious industrial relations situation at Airmotive Ireland; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that protective notice issued to all employees one month ago and that a substantive number have now been made redundant; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8958/96]

The ongoing dispute at Airmotive stems from a claim by a group of unions who are seeking payment of 10 per cent "approval payment" to approximately 80 craftspersons. The matter has been before the Labour Court, but the court, in a recommendation dated 12 December 1995, did not recommend concession of the claim. The recommendation was not accepted by the workers concerned and strike action involving a number of the work-force subsequently commenced on 1 April 1996. While a number of lay-offs have occurred as a result of that strike action, it is understood that no redundancies have taken place.

As I have said in the past, the resolution of an industrial dispute is ultimately a matter for the parties directly involved, availing, where required, of the assistance of the dispute-settling agencies of the State, such as the Labour Court. Within this context our system of industrial relations leaves it up to the parties to accept or reject a recommendation from the court.

Clearly, it is not in the interest of the parties to this dispute to have disruption caused to the company or hardship caused to individuals as a result of lay-off. In the circumstances, I would urge careful reconsideration of the Labour Court recommendation of 12 December 1995.
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