Kitt Announces Extension of Scope of Industrial Relations Machinery

Mr. Tom Kitt, T.D., Minister for Labour, Trade and Consumer Affairs announced today (Tuesday 4th August, 1998) that the Government has made an Order under Section 23(5) of the Industrial Relations Act, 1990, which amends the definition of "worker" in that Act. The effect of the Order is to bring those staff of Local Authorities and Health Boards who are classed as "officers" within the scope of the Labour Relations Commission/Labour Court industrial relations machinery. Up to now these 45,000 staff have been covered by a Conciliation and Arbitration Scheme. The change is effective from the 1st August, 1998.

Commenting on the change, the Minister recalled recent remarks by the Taoiseach that there was a substantial case for looking at how our entire industrial relations machinery might be renewed to accomodate better the challenges of the changing world of work. "In the run up to the 21st century we are presented with an entirely different array of issues and stresses, which requires changes in attitudes, competences and structures. The change that has been introduced - with the agreement of all involved, both on the management and trade union sides - replaces a process which was a product of its time - separate and different arrangements for categories of public servants. The change should contribute to more streamlined industrial relations in the Health Service and in Local Government," the Minister said.