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1240/5(7603) WRITTEN QUESTION TO THE MINISTER FOR TRANSPORT AND TECHNICAL
SERVICES BY DEPUTY G.P. SOUTHERN OF ST. HELIER
ANSWER TO BE TABLED ON TUESDAY 30th APRIL 2013
Question
Will the Minister advise members whether there has been a failure on the part of the new bus service provider (CTPlus Jersey) to recognise the trade union Unite under the relevant code of practice of the Employment Relations (Jersey) Law 2005 and, if so, what steps, if any, has he taken or will he take to resolve this issue as a matter of urgency?
If this explanation involves any weakness in the lack of clarity in the code or the Law, will he undertake to correct it and, if not, why not?
Will he undertake to ensure that in the future following the transfer of an undertaking where the majority of staff are transferred, as in this case, a mechanism for automatic recognition is built into the process?
Does the Minister, having previously praised the good employment relations record of the parent company, consider that this latest episode reflects well on the company chosen to operate the Island's bus service?
Answer
It is not within my remit to monitor the management of employees of LibertyBus, as they are not employees of the States of Jersey.
I can confirm though that I am not aware of any failure of the kind suggested.
I understand that there are negotiations between LibertyBus and its employees ongoing at the present time, on the subject of union recognition. This is entirely proper and in accordance with the Employment Relations (Jersey) Law 2007 and the codes relating thereto.
In the circumstances, it would not be appropriate for me to say anything further in relation to this, save as set out below.
In the event that defects in the Employment Relations (Jersey) Law 2007, or the codes relating to it, were identified it would be a matter for the Minister for the Department of Social Security to address these. I am not aware of any such defects.
I do not propose to try and second guess what kind of arrangements may or may not be appropriate in future transactions.
In relation to the final point raised, given my comment above regarding present negotiations it would appear that appropriate steps are being taken to meet the requirements of the Employment Relations (Jersey) Law 2007 and the codes that relate to it. On this basis, yes this does reflect well on the company.