Labour Court recommends Uniphar talks on drivers' routes and pay structure

In 1999, the Labour Court recommended that Uniphar PLC and Marine, Port And General Workers' Union make a further effort to agree on delivery routes, seniority and the wage structure. Its recommendation was signed on 10 May. The union opposed route changes without consultation and said an agreement on route seniority had not been followed. It also sought a wage-structure review. Uniphar said it could change routes to meet business and customer needs and that drivers would not lose earnings as a result. The Court accepted that Uniphar could reorganise routes, while recommending that any changes be covered by an agreement addressing their effect on drivers' earning prospects. It found no basis for a general wage increase, but said the existing wage structure could be examined as proposed by the union. The Court recommended further negotiations towards a composite agreement.