Jamaica International Telecommunications Ltd v National Workers Union

• Jurisdiction: Jamaica
• Judge: Lynch, C.
• Judgment Date: 23 August 1977
• Date: 23 August 1977
• Court: Industrial Dispute Tribunal (Jamaica)
• Docket Number: No. 5 of 1977

Industrial Disputes Tribunal

Lynch, C.

No. 5 of 1977

Jamaica International Telecommunications Ltd.

and

National Workers Union

Labour law - Collective agreement — Wage increases.

1 Reference:

2 The Honourable Minister of Labour, by letter dated 6 ^th April 1977 in accordance with Section 11 of Labour Relations and Industrial Disputes Act, 1975 referred to the Industrial Disputes Tribunal for settlement, an industrial dispute between Jamaica Telecommunications Limited and the National Workers Union.

3 The Terms of Reference to the Tribunal are as follows:

“To determine and settle the dispute between Jamaica Telecommunications Limited on the one hand, the National Workers Union representing the staff employed by the Company on the other hand, over the payment of increments.”

4 The division of the Tribunal selected in accordance with Section 8(2) of the Act was –

Mr. Basil Lynch	—	Chairman
Mr. Owen Plant	—	Employers' Representative
Mr. Edward Dixon	—	Workers' Representative

5 The Employer was represented by –

Mr. R. Baugh (legal)

Mr. T.O. Minott

Mr. D. Webster

Mr. A. G. Russell

Ms. E. Ebanks

Ms. Y. Bryan

6 The Trade Union was represented by-

Mr. Donovan Hunter

Several Worker/Delegates

Sittings

7 The parties submitted written briefs and made oral submissions at two hearings on June 2 and August 11, 1977.

8 The Union and the Company have concluded a Collective Labour Agreement dated 16th June 1976 which provides enter alia for the following wage increases during the calendar years 1976 and 1977.

“3. The revision of Wages and Salaries on the principles stipulated in the Wage/Salaries Guidelines for the graduated reduction of increases at the higher levels as follows:

a) 1st January 1976 — 31st December 1976

- Annual Rates of pay up to the maximum of $7,000 will be increased by thirty percent (30%).

- Annual Rates of pay over $7,000 up to the maximum of $12,000 will be increased by the sum of $2,100 or part thereof. Where however the results exceed $12,000, the respective increases will be the sum required to bring the total to $12,000 plus one-half of the excess.

b) 1st January 1977 • 31st December 1977

- Annual mates of pay up to the maximum of $7,000 will be increased by $524.

- Annual Pates of pay aver $7,000 up to the maximum of $12,000 will be increased by the sum of $520 or part thereof. Where however the results exceed $12,000, the respective increases will be the sure required to bring the...