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\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 [2000] 1 FLR 39
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15736514 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15736514\charrsid11950148 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11950148 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8276515 IN THE }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 HIGH COURT OF FIJI
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11950148 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148\charrsid11950148 
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\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11950148 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148\charrsid11950148 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2244379 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 v
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11950148 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148\charrsid11950148 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid8276515 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 PERMANENT SECRETARY FOR LABOUR}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8276515  }{
\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 AND INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15736514 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid2244379 & FIJI BANK EMPLOYEES UNION}{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8276515\charrsid2244379 

\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2244379 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid2244379 ex-parte National Mbf Finance (Fiji) Limited
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
\par High Court Judicial Review }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2244379 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 Fatiaki, J
\par 25 February, 2000 }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2244379 
\par HBJ 0001/}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 99}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6045556  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2244379\charrsid5194393 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid2244379 Trade dispute -whether Permanent Secretary for L}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2244379\charrsid2244379 abour and Industrial Relations}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid2244379  exceeded jurisdiction to refer trade dispute to
 Permanent Arbitrator-distinction between 'dispute of interest' and 'dispute of right'- costs to the applicant - Trade Disputes Act (Amendment) Decree 1992 s5A(}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2244379\charrsid2244379 
2)(b), Trade Disputes Act ss 4(1}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid2244379 )(d), 6(1), 6(2)(a), (b) & (c) and 34,}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2244379\charrsid2244379  Compulsory Recognition Order 3/}{
\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid2244379 98
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
\par The Bank retrenched 18 employees prior to conclusion of a comprehensive collective agreement pursuant to Compulsory R}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2244379 ecognition Order No. 3/}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 98 and a redundancy package. The applicant sought judicial review of the Permanent Secretary for Labour an
d Industrial Relations' decision to accept the dispute as a dispute of right and to refer the trade dispute to the permanent arbitrator.
\par 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid2244379 Held }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 - (1) the di}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5062322 stinguishing element between a '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 dispute of interest' and a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5062322 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
dispute of right' is the existence or non existence of a collective agreement. A dispute of interest is necessarily narrower in its ambit than a dispute of right.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2244379\charrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 (2) a collective agreement need not contain all the terms and conditions of employment of the employees }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5062322 
covered, but use of the word '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
prescribes' in the Trade Disputes Act (Amendment) Decree and read together with the Trade Disputes Act suggest that the agreement must be in written form, endorsed by or on behalf of the parties, lodged with the Permanent economic for registration and sta
mping.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2244379\charrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 (3) In the absence of a written collecti}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2244379 ve agreement, and in view of on-}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 going negotiations, the decision of the perm}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10950868 anent secretary to accept as a '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 dispute of right' and refer trade dispute was plainly erroneous.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2244379\charrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 Decision by Permanent Secretary for Labour and Industrial Relations to refer dispute to permanent arbitrator }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid2244379 
ultra vires}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393  and quashe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10950868 d. Declaration that dispute is '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
dispute of interest' granted.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2244379\charrsid5194393 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid2244379 No cases referred to in judgment
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid2244379 Haroon Lateef}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2244379\charrsid2244379  }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid2244379 for the applicant
\par Ropate Cabealawa for the respondent Permanent Secretary for Labour and Industrial Relations
\par }{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2244379\charrsid2244379 Sir V}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid2244379 ijay R Singh for the respondent Fiji Bank Employees Union
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2244379 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 25 February 2000.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2244379 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10950868 
\par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid2244379 {\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid2244379 JUDGMENT
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2244379 
\par }{\b\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid2244379 Fatiaki, J.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2244379 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 This application concerns the exercise by the Permanent Secretary for}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5062322  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 Labour and Industrial Relations (PSL) of his powers under Section 5A of the Trade Dispute}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5062322 s Act (Amendment) Decree 1992 ['}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 the (Amendment) Decree'] and arises in the following context:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2244379\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1595240 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid2244379 (1) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
By Order of PSL dated 30th April 1998 the applicant company was compulsorily required to:
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1595240 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid11950148 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
(to) ... accord recognition to the (respondent) Union for the purposes of colle}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1595240 ctive bargaining and, ...}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10950868  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 must when requested to do so by the Union, negotiate with
 the Union on any specific matter relating to the terms and conditions of employment of any person who is a voting member of the Union';
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15956070 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 (2)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1595240 Pursuant to }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 the above Order various corresponde}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10950868 
nce and discussions took place o}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 ver several months, between the res
pondent Union and the applicant on the terms and conditions of its employees and in particular, the redundancy package to be offered to employees whose services were to be terminated due to the applicant downsizing its operations in Fiji;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15956070 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15956070 (3) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
Prior to a final redundancy package being agreed, the applicant made redundant eighteen (18) employees on 24th June 1998 and gave each a company redundancy package which was then in existence prior to the order in (1) above;}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15956070\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid15956070 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 (4)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 By letter dated 30th June 1998 the respondent Uni}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 on reported the existence of a '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 trade dispute' to PSL who, despite receiving a letter in opposition from the applicant dated 1st July 1998, accepted the report and referred the }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 same to '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15956070 ... to a Disputes Comm}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 ittee ... for a decision';
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15956070 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1599725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15956070 (5) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
Failing a decision by the Disputes Committee, PSL with the authorisation of the Minister, by notice dated 28th October 1998}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 referred the dispute '
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 to the permanent Arbitrator for settlement ...'}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid10950868  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
pursuant to Sub-Section 5(a) of Section 5A of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5062322  '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 the (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid1599725 
Amendment) Decree';}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid15956070 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1599725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725 (6}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 )}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 On 5th January 1999 the applicant sought leave to issue judicial review of PSL's referral i}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725 n (5) above on the basis that:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5062322  '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 the (PSL) exceeded his jurisd}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid3172747 iction and/or made an error of l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 aw in accepting the dispute as a dispute }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid25505 of rig
hts'}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 ;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1599725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725 (7) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
On 12th January 1999 leave was granted to the applicant and on 28th January 1999 the application was duly served on the respondents.
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 There are before the Court the following three (3) affidavits:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1599725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725 (a) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
The primary affidavit of Krishna Goundar General Manager of the applicant dated 4th January 1999;}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1599725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 (b)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 The affidavit in opposition of Diwan Shankar National Secretary of the respondent Union dated 22nd February 1999; and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1599725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 (c)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 The affidavit in opposition of PSL dated 23rd February 1999;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
\par In addition the Court has been assisted by the comprehensive written submissions of counsel for the applicant and a joint submission from counsels for the respondents.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 The sole issue for determination conveniently identified in the submission of Counsel for the applicant is as follows:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1599725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
Whether (PSL) exceeded his jurisdiction in referring the trade dispute to the Permanent Arbitrator pursuant to Section (sic) 5(a) of Section 5A of the Trade Disputes Act (A}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 
mendment) Decree No. 27 of 1992}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 ?'
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 Before seeking to answer this question it is convenient to refer at the outset to the several matters that are common and undisputed between the parties. These are:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1599725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725 (1) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
That the dispute between the parties as set out in PSL's acceptance lett}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 er of 13th August 1998 namely, '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
... the decision (of the applicant) to retrench 18 employees ... while the parties were still negotiating a Collective Agreement pursuant to Compulsory Recognition Order No.3 of 1998 ...' amoun}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 
ts to and is, by definition, a '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 trade dispute' capable of being accepted and acted upon by PSL;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1599725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 (2)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 That the Trade Disputes Act (Amendment) Decree No. 27 of 1992 clearly differentiates between a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5062322 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 dispute of interes}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 t' and a '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
dispute of rights' not only as to what particular disputes ar}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid161869 e comprised within the meaning }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
of each term but, more particularly, in the statutory procedure by which each is to be resolved.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725\charrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 In the case of a '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 dispute of rights' Section 5A requires PSL to first refer it to a Disputes Committee and, failing a resolution,
 thereafter with the Minister's authorisation, to refer the dispute to a tribunal for settlement;
\par 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1599725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725 (}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725\charrsid5835809 3) }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5835809 A 'dispute of rights' is}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid7610043  defined in '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5835809 
the (Amendment) Decree' as meaning:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\highlight4\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid9972680 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\highlight4\langnp2057\insrsid1599725\charrsid9972680 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid9972680 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5835809 '(a) a disput}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148\charrsid5835809 
e concerning the interpretation}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5835809 ; application; or operation of a co
llective agreement; or (b) any dispute that is not a dispute of interest, including any dispute that arises during the currency of a collective agreement';
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1599725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 and a '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 dispute of interest' is defined as:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid1599725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid11950148 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
'a dispute created with intent to procure a collective agreement ... and includes a dispute created with intent to procure a collective agreement or amendment to settle a new matt}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5062322 er as defined ...'}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 ;
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 If I may say so a cursory comparison of the definitions suggests that a distinguishing element between them is the existence or non-existence of a }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 collective agreement'. Furthermore a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 'dispute of interest' is necessarily narrower in its ambit than a }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 dispute of right'.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid1599725 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 (4)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 It is common ground that PSL determined at the outset that the particular }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13647947 dispute in this instance was a '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 dispute of rights' which ought to be referred 'to a Disputes Committee constituted ... under the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5713310 provisions of Section 5A(1) of}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393  [}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13647947 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 the (Amendment) Decree'] for a decision'.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid6172578 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid1599725\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 It is the latter decision that counsel for the applicant submits}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 '... is where the Permanent Secretary erred' insofar as, in the absence of any collective agreement there can be no dispute as }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 to its '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 interpretation, application or operation' [the 1st l}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 imb (a) of the de
finition of a '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 dispute of rights'], nor can the present dispute between the parties be described as one that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13647947  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 '... arises during the currency of a collective agreement' [the 2nd limb (b)]. In short, the applicant maintains that this dispute is a}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 'dispute of interest' and hence PSL exceeded his jurisdiction.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578\charrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578 In this latter}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
 regard it should be noted that the applicant reserved its rights in its letter of 25th August 1998 recommending the appointment of a member of the Disputes Commi}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 ttee [See: Section 5A(2)(b) of '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 the Amendment Decree'].
\par 
\par Counsel for the respondents in their join}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 t submission forcefully argues '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578 
here was a collective agreement}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13266122 , ...,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
 that forbade any redundancies until a mutually agreed redundancy package had been concluded' and further, a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
'disputes of rights' is not confined to a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 'trade dispute' arising out of a col}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 lective agreement and includes '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 any dispute that is not a dispute of interest'.
\par 
\par Whatsmore the dispute referred by the PSL for settl}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 ement is not, and cannot be, a '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
dispute of interest' because the reported dispute is not grounded on the applicant's failure to negotiate a comprehensive collective agreement. Instead,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 it is founded on the applicant's failure to abide by an agreement already reached, albeit an interim ag
reement on the way to a comprehensive collective agreement and seemingly evidenced in the undisputed correspondence exchanged between the parties before the eighteen (18) employees were made redundant.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 

\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11950148 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 Finally counsel writes:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6172578 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 Acceptance of the applicant
's proposition would lead to a dangerous lacuna in the workings of the legislation}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9919693 .}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
 It will allow a determined anti-union employer ... to victimise at will any number of employees, particularly union members, while he postpones and frustrates the conclusion of a collective agreement, as in this case.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 All the while,}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 according to the applicants argument the legislation will afford no protection to the workers for, there being no collective agreement, no}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 dispute of rights' may be entertained.'}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578\charrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 From the foregoing it is plain that the parties differ fundamenta}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5062322 lly on what can or cannot be a '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 collective agreement' for the purposes of }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5062322 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
the (Amendment) Decree'.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 On the one hand, counsel for the applicant says:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6172578 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
While negotiations were taking place there was/is no collective agreement between the parties which has been registered with (PSL) pursuant to Section 34 of the Trade Disputes Act}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5062322 
. There is no such thing as an '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 interim collective agreement'. Either there is a collective}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 agreement or not and here there was/is no collective}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9919693  agreement.'}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 On the other hand, the respondents' counsel claim:}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid6172578 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
that there was a collective agreement between the Applicant and the Union, interim in nature though it might be. The effect of that agreement was that while the parties were negotiating a comprehe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 
nsive collective agreement (a) '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 no one will be made red}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9919693 undant' and (b) that all staff '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 will continue to receive their current levels}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578  of remuneration and benefits'.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9919693 '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578\charrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 A}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 'colle}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 ctive agreement' is defined in '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 the}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578  (Amendment) Decree' as being:
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid9919693 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid9919693 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 any agreement:}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid9919693 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 (a)}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 that is made by a trade union of employees recognised under the Trade Unions (Recog}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 nition) Act and an employer ...}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 ; and}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li1440\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin1440\itap0\pararsid9919693 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578 (b) }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
prescribes (wholly or in part) the terms and conditions of employment of employees of one or more description, or a procedure agreement or both.'}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid6172578\charrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 If I may say so whilst the above de}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 finition makes it clear that a '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 collective agreement' need not contain or set-out all the terms and conditions of employment of the employees covered t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 
hereunder, the use of the word '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 prescribes' in the second limb (b) suggests to my mind that the agreement must be in written form.
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13335270 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 This view is reinforced by the provisions of Section 34 of the Trade Disputes Act (Cap. 97) which cl}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 early anticipates an agr
eement 'in writing' which is '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 endorsed (or signed) by or on behalf of the parties' and }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 is capable of being copied and '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 lodged with the Permanent Secretary' for registration by stamping. Needless to say these requirements would necessarily exclude oral or u
nsigned unilateral confirmations of the kind sought to be extracted by the respondent's counsels from the correspondenc}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13335270 e exchanged between the parties.}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13335270\charrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 Given the abo}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5062322 ve reading of the meaning of a '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
collective agreement', and given PSL's sworn admission that}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13335270\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li720\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin720\itap0\pararsid13335270 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13335270 ... there is no Collective}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
 Agreement between the Applicant and the Union and further ... that the Union attempted to negotiate a Collective Agreement ... but was impeded by the applicant's decision to terminate the employment of eighteen of its staff on grounds of redundancy...',

\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13335270 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 I am firmly of the opinion that Counsel for the applicant is correct in his submis}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 sions that in the absence of a '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 collective agreement' the decision of PSL t}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 hat the reported dispute was a '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 dispute of rights' was plainly erroneous.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13335270\charrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 Needless to say I cannot ac}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 cept that the mere fact that a '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
trade dispute' exists between the parties is a sufficient answer to an erroneous determination as to the particular type of dispute it is, nor does there appear to be any factual basis whatsoever for counsel's claim that the}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11106547  particular dispute '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 is founded on the applicant's failure to abide by an agreement already reached}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11106547  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 ...'}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13335270\charrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 The Union's original and amended reports to PSL nowhere refers to any}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13335270  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 such agreement or failure on the applicant's part to abide by an agreement already reached and indeed PSL's a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 
cceptance letter clearly notes '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 ... that the dispute is over the decision of NMBF to retrench 18 employees ... while the parties were still negotia
ting a Collective Agreement pursuant to Compulsory Recognition Order under No: 3 of 1998'. In my view the reference to on-going negotiations is crucial in identifying the nature of the trade dispute between the parties rather than the redundancies per se.

\par 
\par Further the relevant correspondence that passed between the Union and the applicant prior to the redundancies plainly accepted that the parties were still in the process of negotiating a collective agreement and in particular a redundancy package.
\par 
\par Any agreement in the interim betwe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5062322 en the applicant and the Union '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
to maintain the status quo' pending the finalisation of a collective agreement would not, in my view, be enforceable by the employees and its breach could}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148  not give rise to a reportable '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 trade dispute' in so far as such an agreement although entered into between a recognised trade un}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid14635607 ion and an employer is not one '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 connected with the employment or with the terms of employment or with the condition of employment of any employe}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 
e' nor would it give rise to a '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 collective agree}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 ment' in so far as it does not '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 prescribe (wholly or in part) the terms and conditions of employment of employees of one or more description...'}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13335270\charrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 Needless to say in my view the retrenchment of the applicant's eighteen (18) employees 
is merely the triggering event for the reported dispute which had as its ultimate purpose, the procurement of a collective agreement which would have included provision for a redundancy package for all employees as at the date of the Compulsory Recognitio
n Order.
\par 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 As for counsels '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
dangerous lacuna' argument, having carefully considered the scheme of the Trade Disputes legislation I am satisfied that the argument is more imagined than real, especially, when one considers that a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid13335270  
}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 'dispute of interest' plainl}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 y covers the situation where a '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
collective agreement' does not yet exist and a dispute has arisen between the negotiating union and the employer as occurred in this case.
\par 
\par In such a situation the legislation (Section 4) provides PSL with various avenues for resolving the dispute including in particular, the ap}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8925751 pointment of a suitable person '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 to act as a mediator and conciliato}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 r where the trade dispute is a '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5062322 
dispute of interest' (See}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 :}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148  Section 4(1)(d) as amended by '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
The (Amendment) Decree'). It does not }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 however empower him to refer a '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 
dispute of interest' to a Disputes Committee as occurred in this instance.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5661106\charrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 The legislation also recognises that failing }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 a successful conciliation of a '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 dispute of interest', the parties may still agree to go to voluntary arbitration [See: Section 6(l)] and, in the absence of such agreement, the Minister may}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5661106  }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 authorise the referral of the dispute to compulsory arbitration in the particular circumsta}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5661106 nces outlined in Sections 6(2)(a}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 ); (b) & (c) and, if neither voluntary}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11212534  }{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 or compulsory arbitration is resorted to, then, the workers are at liberty to resort to industrial action.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11212534\charrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 For the foregoing reasons the application must succeed, but mindful that the statutory pro}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 cedure for the resolution of a '}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 dispute of rights' has been advanced beyond the Disputes Committee, I grant the applicant a declaration that the trade dispute reported and accepted by PSL in his l}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11950148 etter of 13th August 1998 is a '}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 dispute of interest' in terms of the Trade Disputes Act (Cap. 97).}{
\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11212534\charrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 It necessarily follows that PSL's referral notice dated 28th October 1998 is ultra vires and is accordingly quashed.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11212534\charrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 There will be costs awarded to the applicant summarily assessed at $400.00.}{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393 
\par }{\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11212534\charrsid5194393 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid15736514 {\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid11212534 Application for Judicial Revie}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid8925751 
w granted. Declaration granted.}{\i\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11212534\charrsid11212534 
\par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid5194393 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid11212534 
\par }\pard \qr \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid11950148 {\fs24\lang2057\langfe1033\langnp2057\insrsid5194393\charrsid5194393 Marie Chan
\par }}