Solving disputes Both the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) and the Labour Court help in solving disputes.
1. Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) • Promotes good industrial relations. • Encourages employers and employees to follow laws.
• Sets up negotiations to solve disputes between employers and employees.
• Conciliation is a service provided by the WRC. A mediator listens to both sides and makes suggestions to solve the disputes.
• Conducts research and provide advice. • Advises the government on implementing new laws.
2. Labour Court • Known as the court of last resort. • Deals with unsolved disputes by the WRC.
• They listen to both sides and come up with a solution known as arbitration.
• The employer has 42 days to act on the Labour Court decision, if not the next step is the District Court.
3. Environmental
It’s important that organisations provide a safe environment and in addition, a sustainable approach to work where they are not damaging the environment, e.g. use of green energy – wind/solar.
There are many national and EU laws and policies in place designed to protect the environment for future generations:
• Environmental Protection Agency Act, 1992 • Protection of the Environment Act, 2003 • Environmental (Miscellaneous Provisions) Acts, 2011 and 2015 • Waste Management Act, 1996 (as amended) • European Communities (Waste Directive) Regulations, 2011.
4. Ethical
This is all about doing what is right. Organisations should have morals and values, engage in fair trade if possible and provide a code of conduct.
Know It!
• Employer rights and responsibilities
• Employee rights and responsibilities
Point of Information
The Labour Court is not a court of law.
Doing what is right! Fair Trade pay their suppliers a fair wage.