BIGGA and IOG Merger Discussions
Nothing will be done without the consent of the members - feedback has been positive
Any decision by the industry's two membership organisations to merge will not be taken quickly, according to BIGGA chief, John Pemberton. “There are a number of issues to be discussed, and our initial meeting was held just last week,” said John at his Harrogate Week press briefing. Five representatives of each of the two Boards met and unanimously agreed to explore, in depth, the possibilities and potential of a strategic merger for the wider benefit of their members and the sports turf industry. “The detail of a merger will be discussed at forthcoming meetings,” continued John. “There are no set
timescales and the ultimate decision will be taken by the memberships of the two organisations. Nothing will be done without the members’ consent.” John stated that there had been some
positive feedback, “I think the will is there from the members, otherwise we wouldn’t be entering into talks. We believe it is something worth pursuing.” “The potential unification of BIGGA and The IOG presents a major opportunity for the turf management industry to influence the future both commercially and politically for the benefit of all members.” Key issues on the table for discussion will include staffing and headquarters
and, undoubtedly, exhibitions. Harrogate and Saltex are significant revenue earners for both organisations, but there has been increasing pressure from industry companies for a consolidation or amalgamation of the events. The absence of some of the major companies from the shows will have hit both organisations hard.
K Club dispute continues Golf Club reneging on agreement by Irish Labour Court says Union
(L-R) Greenkeepers Adrian Kerr and Eddie Donovan with Amicus regional officer Colm Quinlan
AMICUS, the trade union body representing the Greenkeepers and Gardeners at the K Club in Ireland, are claiming that the company which owns the club are reneging on the recommendations of the Irish Labour Court.
The original dispute resulted from the K Club’s decision not to pay a National Wage Agreement increase of 3% due in July 2005; it was withheld based on a plea of inability to pay. The subsequent claim to the Court also requested a review of rates of pay to take account of pay rates in comparable employment. In January 2006, the time at which the union’s claim for a pay review was lodged, the greenkeeping and gardening staff earned a basic rate of
4
9.59 Eur per hour. The Labour Court decided in favour of the union and staff, and recommended that the pay rates be adjusted on a phased basis commencing at 11.00 Eur per hour with effect from 1st April 2006 rising to 14.50 Eur per hour from 1st January 2008. In addition the Court ruled that ‘all of these rates are in current terms and should be exclusive of normal wage round increases. Normal wage round increases should continue to be paid as heretofore and should have full regard to the rate of increase provided for by national agreements.’
The recommendations were accepted
by the K Club. The revised rates have been applied but, according to Amicus, the club have
refused to apply the normal wage round increases. As a result, the union has referred the issue back to the Labour Court for further determination. In addition, since the beginning of
the year, the club has imposed a 3 day working week on the Greenkeepers and Gardeners. This enforced reduction of working hours does not, according to Amicus, apply to any other employees of the club. The club have stated that any member of staff with a grievance should address such a grievance through the individual grievance procedure. For information; a non resident green
fee for the Palmer Course in the summer is 370 Eur.
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