Tánaiste Launches Annual Report of the Labour Relations Commission

The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Harney, today (Tuesday 1st May, 2001) praised the role of the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) which she said had a proven track record in dispute resolution and in contributing to improving workplace relationships over the last 10 years. However, the Tánaiste said "valuable though its services are, they must not be seen as a substitute for good industrial relations practices at local level".

Speaking at the launch of the Labour Relations Commission Annual Report for 2000 the Tánaiste said "The LRC plays a vital role in conflict resolution and already this year we have seen some very difficult disputes defused through their timely intervention".

The Tánaiste however expressed her concern that, while the number of workdays lost through strikes in 2000 was down on the figure for 1999, the number of strike had risen to 39, the highest number since 1993. She said "if we are to maintain our economic success it is vital that one of the key contributors to that success, a favourable and well earned reputation of a good industrial relations climate, is not damaged".

She said "Effective partnership in the workplace offers enormous benefits to both employer and employees. The responsibility of employers, managers, and employees to commit to good industrial relations at local level must be recognised and emphasised. Good industrial relations can best be achieved in an environment where good communications and mutual respect prevail".

Over the last 10 years the LRC has been very active with a high demand for its services. Due to the increasing workload of the Rights Commissioner Service, the Tánaiste recently appointed Mr Tony Bregazzi as a Rights Commissioner. Mr Bregazzi’s appointment brings to five the number of Rights Commissioners in the LRC.

The Tánaiste acknowledged the contribution of all those who have served on the Board of the LRC over the past 10 years, the Chief Executive Mr Kieran Mulvey and his team, both past and present, and thanked them all for the part they have played in developing the role of the Commission as a vital part of the State’s industrial relations machinery.

Rights Commissioners investigate industrial disputes, mainly involving individual workers, under the Industrial Relations Acts. They also hear cases concerning statutory rights under the following Acts: the Unfair Dismissals Acts, 1977 to 1993; the Payment of Wages Act, 1991; the Terms of Employment (Information) Act, 1994; the Maternity Protection Act, 1994; the Adoptive Leave Act, 1995; and the Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996. They issue recommendations, which may be appealed to the Labour Court in the case of the Industrial Relations Acts, and to the Employment Appeals Tribunal in relation to the other Acts.