Jamaica Packaging Industries Ltd v Trades Union Congress of Jamaica

JurisdictionJamaica
JudgeLloyd, C.
Judgment Date22 December 1977
Date22 December 1977
CourtIndustrial Dispute Tribunal (Jamaica)
Docket NumberNo. 21 of 1977

Industrial Disputes Tribunal

Lloyd, C.

No. 21 of 1977

Jamaica Packaging Industries Ltd.
and
Trades Union Congress of Jamaica

Labour law - Collective agreement — Wages increases.

Labour law - Collective agreement — Improved fringe benefits.

Reference:
1

The Honourable Minister of Labour by letter dated 14th September, 1977, and in accordance with Section 11, Subsection 1 of the Labour Relations and Industrial Disputes Act, 1975, referred to the Industrial Disputes Tribunal for settlement, an industrial dispute between the COMPANY and the TRADE UNION.

2

The terms of reference to the Tribunal were as follows:

“To determine and settle the dispute between Jamaica Packaging Industries Ltd., on the one hand, and the production workers employed by the Company and represented by the Trades Union Congress of Jamaica on the other hand over the claim of the Union for increased wages and improved fringe benefits on behalf of the said workers.”

3

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

Mr. James Lloyd

Chairman

Mr. Headley Allman

Employers' Representative

Mr. Noel Holness

Workers' Representative

4

However, before an award was made, Mr. James Lloyd, became incapacitated, Mr. Basil Lynch was selected in his stead and consideration of the dispute was finalised in accordance with the provisions of Section 8(4) of the Act.

5

The COMPANY was represented by:

Mr. Emit George, Q. C. (Legal)

Mr. C.P. Grant

Mr. L. Jackson

6

The TRADE UNION was represented by:

Senator Hopeton Caven

Mr. F. Morant

Several Worker/Delegates

Submissions and Sittings
7

Written briefs were submitted and oral submissions made by the parties at the eight sittings held on the 21st September, 12th, 21st and 25th October and the 7th, 9th and 15th November, and 15th December, 1977.

Background to the Dispute
8

By letter dated 5th April, 1977, the Union sought to amend the existing Labour/Management Agreement which expired on September 30, 1976, in six (6) material particulars; the claim was for increased wages and improved working conditions and are set out below:

1. Leave Facilities

(a.) Vacation and Sick Leave to be given on the following basis:

1-4 years service

— 2 weeks leave

5-9 years service

— 3 weeks leave

10-14 years service

— 4 weeks leave

15 years and over

— 8 weeks leave

(b) Maternity leave — six (6) months leave inclusive of four (4) months pay.

2. Severance Pay

Qualifying period 91 days:.

Up to 3 years

— 3 weeks pay per year service

over 3 years but less than 6 years

— 4 weeks pay per year service

6 years and over

— 6 weeks pay per year service

3. Shift Premium

The present rates to be increased to 20¢ per hour.

4. Insurance

(a) Implementation of a Death and Dismemberment Scheme to cover workers for not less than $15,000 in case of death or permanent disability on or off the job.

(b) To provide workers with full salary while off the job as a result of injury.

(c) Medical scheme to be improved so that workers shall not be required to make any form of contribution.

5. Work Week

Guards' workweek to be 40 hours, Monday to Friday. Consequently,...

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