Joint Labour Committees FAQs

Will this decision be appealed?

21/07/2011 - No. Both the Taoiseach and Minister Bruton have indicated that, having taken the advice of the Attorney General, the Government will not be appealing the decision.

What about Registered Employment Agreements (REAs)?

20/07/2011 - It is important to note that the High Court’s decision does not directly affect REAs which govern pay and conditions in some sectors, including the construction industry and electrical contracting. REAs are the subject of separate court proceedings.

What happened in the High Court?

20/07/2011 - The High Court struck down the sections of the Industrial Relations Acts which permitted Joint Labour Committees (JLCs) to prepare Employment Regulation Orders (EROs) which were then incorporated into law by the Labour Court.

What happens now? Will employees have their wages cut?

20/07/2011 - The immediate question for employers who operate in JLC/ERO-regulated sectors is what to do in relation to pay rates.

What rules govern employees who are outside of the JLC/ERO system?

20/07/2011 - Employees outside of the JLC/ERO system are entitled to receive their entitlements under the National Minimum Wage Act 2000.

Will new legislation be introduced to replace the system?

20/07/2011 - IBEC has noted with concern the comments by Minister Bruton that his “priority is to proceed with a radical overhaul of the JLC system to make it more responsive to the needs of a modern, 21st century economy.