IBEC and ICTU agree protocol on industrial relations in the private sector

Employers' group IBEC today published the terms of a new protocol, negotiated with ICTU, to govern the conduct of industrial relations in the private sector.

The protocol will guide the State's industrial relations institutions in how to process claims in the absence of a national pay agreement, IBEC said in a statement.

“Following the collapse of the pay terms of the most recent partnership agreement, the private sector has entered a period of local bargaining in unionised workplaces," IBEC Director of Industrial Relations and Human Resource Services Brendan McGinty said.

"The protocol aims to ensure that disputes are dealt with in a orderly manner, without recourse to industrial unrest. The objective is to maintain industrial peace and protect the maximum number of jobs."

IBEC said it has already issued detailed guidance to member companies on negotiating pay and related matters at enterprise leve.

Today the group reiterated its view that, given the weak economic conditions, employers should not entertain claims for pay increases in 2010.

"For many companies, the necessity of a pay pause and, for some, pay reductions remains pressing,” said Mr McGinty.

Specifically the IBEC/ICTU protocol promotes:

- The maximisation of sustainable employment;

- Local engagement;

- Adherence to established collective agreements;

- The use of the State's industrial relations institutions to resolve disputes;

- Consideration of the economic, commercial, employment and competitiveness circumstances of individual employers in any discussion of claims relating to pay or terms and conditions of employment;

- Continued support for normal ongoing change, which will not be the subject of claims by trade unions.

“In view of the national importance of industrial peace, stability, good industrial relations, IBEC and ICTU, along with Government, will shortly establish a tripartite structure, under a rotating chairmanship, to deal with any difficulties that may arise.

“An agreed approach to the current economic challenges is desirable, but only if it supports enterprise and employment. To this end, IBEC and ICTU will work together to persuade Government to take action on priority issues, including job retention and creation, and pensions," concluded Mr McGinty.