I wish to appraise you regarding a number of issues impacting on staff working in the Collection and Delivery area.

Eating on Route

The Company has confirmed to the Union that it has revised the Eating on Route Allowance based on the increase in the Consumer Price Index for food and non-alcoholic beverages over the period 2006/2007.  Effective from  1st January 2008, the allowance will increase per day from €5.00 to €5.22, which represents a 4.3% increase.  The Company is currently making arrangements to implement the new rate.

Delivery Services Managers – Salary Review

A Labour Court hearing in respect of the DSM’s Salary Review will take place on Thursday 13th March 2008.

Payment of Final Phase Non-Consolidated Allowance

The Union has sought payment from 14th January 2008 of the final phase of the Non-consolidated Productivity Allowance for staff working in the Collection and Delivery area.  The Monitoring Group will consider the Unions claim at a meeting scheduled to take place on 31st March 2008

Working Leaders

The Executive gave consideration today to a number of areas of concern associated with the position of Working Leader.  They are as follows:
• Pay & Responsibility
• Drug Refund Scheme
• Acting Up arrangements/payments
• Payment of Eating on Route Allowances
• Payment of 4% ‘On Call’ allowance

All of the above are the subject of discussions with the Company.  In reviewing matters, the Executive has expressed its dissatisfaction at the delay in the Company positively responding to the Unions representations.  This matter will again be further reviewed at the April Executive meeting.  The purpose in writing is to advise existing Working Leaders and staff considering taking up such positions of the Unions efforts.