19 AROUND THE HOUSES


Busy times by the Lee


Since the acquisition of the Examiner Group by The Irish Times, the Group of Unions has secured a number of improvements to terms and conditions. An additional two days annual leave were


given to new joiners, with anyone on 20 or 21 days moving to 22 days; those on 22 days moving to 25 days after five years’ service; and those on 25 moving to 26 after 10 years’ service. New fathers will get a top-up of their social


welfare payment for the two weeks they are off, to bring their income up to their weekly norm. The company has agreed that if operationally


feasible, people will be able to take an unpaid block of leave during term time, and can spread the resultant reduced salary over 12 months. The company will also provide digital journalism training and said it will consider any training proposal from journalists that would help them develop skills beneficial to the company. Also, staff members taking an education


course relevant to their employment or in line with the company’s objectives would have their course tuition fees paid by the company on completion of the course. The company has also agreed to undertake an audit to see what software, hardware, and


equipment is needed for journalists to do their jobs.


There were no acting up allowances, but the company has agreed to pay one when a person acts up for a block of more than five weeks. The company will also conduct an audit of the expenses and allowances policies to ensure that they are in line with best practice and taking into account Revenue Commissioner guidelines. The company has also agreed to engage with


the Group of Unions on a Dignity in the Workplace policy and an Equal Opportunities policy.


New NI agreement an INM first in sixteen years


A new house agreement was signed with INM NI, giving minimum pay rates for journalistic posts, an extra day of public holidays, improvement to annual leave entitlements, and a 2 per cent pay increase. There were some significant increases to the


pay of posts, including an increase of £2,500 for journalists/reporters. The pay claim of 2 per cent was applied back to the start of the year, while the increase in minimum pay rates took effect on March 1st. The agreement was signed with the


assistance of the Labour Relations Agency,


after our members voted overwhelmingly to take industrial action, up to and including strike action. Following that vote, and some press coverage, talks took place with the Irish Organiser and senior management, which brokered the deal. This is the first house agreement at INM in 16


years and is a great achievement for FOCs Christopher Woodhouse and Steven McAllister. Meanwhile a new chapel with reps has been


established at the Western People newspaper, which is owned by The Irish Times, via the Examiner Group.


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