| Restrictions | OK |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Employment Relations Authority - Christchurch |
| Reference No | CA 154/04 |
| Hearing date | 21 Oct 2004 |
| Determination date | 08 December 2004 |
| Member | H Doyle |
| Representation | C French ; K Smith |
| Location | Christchurch |
| Parties | The New Zealand Meat Workers and Related Trades Union Inc v Alliance Group Ltd |
| Summary | DISPUTE - Introduction of new wool pulling machinery - New workers employed as wool graders at lower rate but did same work as wool pullers - Number of meetings/discussions over process changes - No agreement reached - Major differences between parties as to terms and conditions applying to new workers and formula for breakdown payments - Respondent changed breakdown payment - Application and interpretation of collective agreement - Were changes to work with introduction of machinery but fundamental nature of work performed not changed - Clause in collective agreement triggered by alteration of methods of work - Clause required negotiation in good faith - No lack of good faith by union during negotiations - No justification for unilateral change to collective agreement with respect of rates paid to wool graders or change to payment for breakdowns - Parties directed to mediation - Unless was agreement between parties to vary payments for breakdowns, respondent to comply with specified clause of collective agreement - Respondent acted in breach of collective arrangements by unilaterally changing terms and conditions of workers undertaking work functions performed by wool pullers - Respondent obliged to pay same rate to wool graders as to wool pullers - Wool pullers and wool graders |
| Result | Questions answered ; Orders accordingly ; Costs reserved |
| Number of Pages | 7 |
| PDF File Link: | PDF file not available for download, please contact us to request a copy. |