Court backs curbs to motor tax office flexitime

THE LABOUR Court has backed moves to introduce curbs on flexitime for staff in Dublin City Council’s motor tax unit.

Nearly 1,900 staff in Dublin City Council can avail of flexitime working arrangements that allow them to accumulate one additional day’s leave every four weeks, or 13 days per year, over and above annual leave.

Under a further arrangement, in place for more than 20 years, staff can take an extra half-day “flexi-leave” every four weeks.

The provision was introduced for staff for manning the strongroom at lunchtime as, at that time, the council did not open to the public at lunchtime. Subsequently, the leave could be built up over a four-week cycle by working late in the evening or early morning.

In 2001, as a result of an initiative on improving local government services, flexitime for all staff was enhanced in exchange for extended opening hours, including lunchtime. However, staff in the motor tax area retained the additional half-day.

This additional entitlement was abolished from last January under the provisions of the Croke Park agreement, on the basis it represented an outmoded work practice. However, the trade union Impact sought to have it reinstated.

The union contended that the removal of the half-day would not lead to any savings for the council and that there was no evidence that since it was scrapped there had been any improvement in efficiencies or flexibility.

Dublin City Council management argued it needed to reduce costs. It maintained that on average 45 per cent of motor tax staff availed of taking the extra half-day. It said this equated to 2.5 full-time employees which, based on average earnings, would amount to €107,000 per annum

The Labour Court found the Croke Park agreement made express provision for the standardisation of terms and conditions of employment, including flexi-leave, in the local authority sector.

“The court is satisfied that there is merit in the council’s proposals, that they are consistent with the terms of the agreement and that the consultation procedures have been complied with in this case. The court finds that no more compelling case has been made to continue the advantageous flexi-leave arrangements that apply to staff employed in the motor tax office.”