LCR15617

FULL RECOMMENDATION CD/97/344 RECOMMENDATIONNO.LCR15617 (CC97/133) INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACTS, 1946 TO 1990 SECTION 26(1), INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS ACT, 1990 PARTIES : DAKOTA PACKAGING (REPRESENTED BY THE IRISH PRINTING FEDERATION) - AND - IRISH PRINT UNION DIVISION : Chairman: Mr Flood Employer Member: Mr Keogh Worker Member: Mr O'Neill

SUBJECT:
1. Claim for rate for CAD/CAM system.




BACKGROUND:

2. The claim by the Union is a 32.5% rate for using the computer aided design unit (CAD/CAM). The Company manufactures high quality cartons for the software and pharmaceutical industries.

The CAD/CAM system allows designs of cartons to be produced on a computer, which then reproduces it on boards and allows a sample to be made. The computer can make as many samples as are required. Previously, this work had to be done by hand. At a conciliation conference on the 8th May, 1997, the Union made a claim of 15% on top of the highest rate which would equal 32.5% on top of the basic rate. The Company offered 5% on top of the basic rate.

Failing agreement at the conciliation conference, the dispute was referred to the Labour Court on the 19th June, 1997, in accordance with Section 26(1) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1990. A Labour Court hearing took place on the 1st August, 1997.


UNION'S ARGUMENTS:

3. 1. The new CAD/CAM system is a saving for the Company and is a selling point as it is now much quicker to produce a sample for a customer than it was previously. The sample can be easily modified if the customer chooses to make changes.



2. To operate the system a worker must be well versed in all aspects of carton making and have a flair for design. An operator would be required to be multi-skilled with a knowledge of the bobst operation and forme making. The workers operating the CAD/CAM should share in the considerable benefits to the Company.


COMPANY'S ARGUMENTS:

4. 1. The CAD/CAM system was installed as a devise to enhance sales. It is not used for production and IPU apprentices operate the system quite competently. It is the apprentices who should benefit from the installation of the system, and the Company is prepared to concede 5% of the stab rate. A detailed knowledge of the bobst operation is not needed. For what is involved, the Company does not accept that the claim is valid.



RECOMMENDATION:

The Court, having considered the written and oral submissions made by the parties, recommends that a rate of 8% of the stab rate be paid for operating the CAD/CAM system.



Signed on behalf of the Labour Court



Finbarr Flood
28th August, 1997______________________
C.O'N./S.G.Deputy Chairman



NOTE

Enquiries concerning this Recommendation should be addressed to Ciaran O'Neill, Court Secretary.