Ireland: Industrial relations

Original and updating author: Mark Carley

Summary

• Workers have a constitutional right to join a trade union. (See Trade unions)
• Trade unions have no statutory right to recognition for collective bargaining purposes and recognition is voluntary. (See Trade union recognition)
• Collective agreements are not enforceable in law unless registered, and their terms are generally incorporated into individual contracts of employment. (See Collective agreements)
• Employees in undertakings with at least 50 employees have a general right to information and consultation from their employer. (See Informing and consulting employees - general)
• There are various rules regarding employers' obligations to inform and consult prior to redundancies. (See Informing and consulting prior to redundancies)
• There are various rules regarding employers' obligations to inform and consult prior to business transfers. (See Informing and consulting prior to transfers)
• "Community-scale" undertakings must, in certain circumstances, establish a body to negotiate with management over the establishment of a European Works Council or an information and consultation procedure. (See European Works Councils)
• Trade unions and workers do not have a right to strike, but are given immunity from certain liabilities in relation to acts done in contemplation or furtherance of a trade dispute. (See Industrial action and picketing)