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Labour Relations Commission (LRC)
The Industrial Relations Act 1990 provided for the establishment of the
Labour Relations Commission in 1991. Its purpose is to promote the
development and improvement of Irish Industrial relations Policies,
Procedures and Practices through the provision of appropriate services
to Employers, Trade Unions and Employees. It would also try to resolve
disputes before going to the Labour Court in order to re-establish the
Labour Court as a court of last resort.
Specifically these services are:
- An Industrial Relations Conciliation Service. This service is used
to resolve disputes between parties using an external professional
mediator. The conciliation service is free and all Employers and
Employees can use it. More than 80% of all cases referred are resolved
at this level. Where no settlement is reached, the parties can, and
usually do refer the dispute to the Labour Court.
- A Rights Commissioner Service: The Rights Commissioner Service is
an independent service of the LRC. These commissioners investigate
disputes, grievances and claims made mostly by individuals or small
groups of workers. They are appointed by the Minister for Enterprise,
Trade and Employment. Rights commissioner hearings are formal whereby
each side fully presents its case with all relevant information and may
provide written submissions. The commissioner issues his/her findings
as either decisions or non-binding recommendations depending on the
legislation involved. A party may appeal against a Rights Commissioner
decision either to the Labour Court or Employment Appeals Tribunal,
depending on the relevant legislation.
- Advisory Service: the purpose of this service is to help Employers,
Employees and Trade Unions build and maintain positive working
relationships. It is made up of people who are independent, impartial
and experienced in Industrial Relations Practice and Theory. It works
in non-dispute situations. It audits existing practices and procedures
and produces a confidential report with findings and recommendations to
help improve the operations of the organisation. The service may also
help with some implementation where necessary.
