F. Kelly

The complainant Ironworkers filed a jurisdictional dispute under section 91 of the Labour Relations Act regarding the assignment of work involving the unloading, handling, and installation of tool rail (Hollywood Rail and Louden Rail) and support steel at a General Motors plant.

The employer had assigned the Hollywood Rail to the United Association (UA) and the support steel to a composite crew of UA and Ironworkers.

The Board considered criteria including collective bargaining relationships, skill and training, economy and efficiency, employer practice, and area practice.

The Board found that the area or industry practice favoured assigning the work to a composite crew of Ironworkers and Millwrights, rejecting the UA's argument that new technology (the A.G.V. system) or the 'end use' of the rail justified the assignment.

The Board directed the employer to assign the work to a composite crew of Ironworkers and Millwrights.