Fahey announces new industrial disputes procedures
New procedures for the resolution of certain industrial disputes and a code of practice to promote this have been announced by the Minister for Labour Affairs, Frank Fahey.
The new provisions prohibit the victimisation of employees involved in such disputes and almost treble the fines that can be imposed by the Courts for breaches of Registered Employment Agreements.
These measures are intended to enhance the effectiveness of dispute resolution procedures put in place by the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2001 and the associated Code of Practice on Voluntary Dispute Resolution.
They impose a time frame for the processing of cases under the 2001 Act and relate to resolution of disputes in situations where it is not the practice of an employer to engage in collective bargaining negotiations.
The Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2001 provides procedures for the resolution of disputes in situations where it is not the practice of an
employer to engage in collective bargaining negotiations.
The 2004 Act introduces time scales to the process - 26 weeks with a maximum provision for 34 weeks where necessary - of dispute resolution in situations where it is not the practice of an employer to engage in collective bargaining negotiations in respect of a particular grade or grades of employee.
The new provisions are provided for in the Industrial Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, which was signed by the President Mary McAleese on March 09 last.
