I understand that the dispute relates to the restoration of bonuses, the loss of which formed part of a cost cutting plan agreed between management and unions in 2012. The matter was the subject of a Labour Court hearing last week and it is my understanding that the strike action which had been underway since June 16th is currently suspended following the Labour Court Recommendation of Thursday last, July 3rd.
The recommendation proposes that:
- restoration of the bonus should be phased in over a specific timeframe with the bonus to be fully restored by 2017;
- that strike action be suspended while workers ballot on the proposals;
- that both parties agree that they will not engage in any form of victimisation or retaliation against any person whether they supported the dispute or worked for all or any period of the current strike; and
- that both sides should take steps to re-establish good effective industrial relations with a view to growing the company and securing and improving the level and quality of employment of the workers concerned.
Ireland’s system of industrial relations is voluntary in nature and responsibility for the resolution of industrial relations issues lies ultimately with employers and workers and their respective representatives as appropriate. As the Deputy is aware, experience constantly shows us that what often appears to be the most intractable of matters is capable of resolution where both sides engage constructively and in good faith in this voluntary process. The principle of good faith implies that both sides make every effort to reach an agreement and endeavour to resolve their differences.
