Introduction

The Workplace Relations Act reorganised and reformed the existing employment rights structures as follows:

• The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) replaced the Labour Relations Commission, Rights Commissioner Service, Equality Tribunal, and National Employment Rights Authority. It is now the body of first instance, that is, where all complaints are first made. All hearings are now heard by a single adjudicator.
• The Labour Court now deals with all workplace relations appeals, including those formerly heard by the Employment Appeals Tribunal
• The time limits for lodging complaints and appeals have been standardised
• Reasoned, written decisions of all adjudications will now be published
• There are new mechanisms to encourage employment law compliance and to deal with non-compliance
• A WRC Information and Customer Service has been set up to encourage the resolution of disputes in the workplace
• An Early Resolution Service aims to facilitate resolution of disputes without the need to resort to a hearing or inspection

Workplace Relations Commission

The Workplace Relations Commission’s main function is to promote the improvement of workplace relations. It is the body to which all workplace relations disputes and all disputes and complaints about employment laws are presented.

It resolves disputes by providing a range of services to employers, employees and trade unions. They include inspection of employment rights compliance and the provision of information, mediation, conciliation, advisory and adjudication services. The WRC now deals with disputes about equality and discrimination.

The Labour Court

The Labour Court may investigate industrial disputes in certain circumstances. It also deals with all workplace relations appeals, so you may appeal to it against decisions of an adjudicator. The Employment Appeals Tribunal continues to hear appeals submitted before the commencement of the Workplace Relations Act on 1 October 2015.

Further information

For further information please email Barry Crushell of Aperture Partners Advisory at bcrushell@aperturepartners.ie or call 01-9053503.

Please note that the material contained herein is for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or other professional advice. Reference accurate at time of publication but subject to change.