Labour Relations Commission Launches Annual Report for 2007 - Sept '08
The Labour Relations Commission (LRC) launched its Annual Report for 2007 recently. The LRC provides a range of services which promote the development and improvement of industrial relations in Ireland. These services include:
- Conciliation Service;
- Advisory Service;
- Rights Commissioner Service;
- Workplace Mediation Service;
- Assistance to Joint Labour Committees and Joint Industrial Councils in exercising their functions.
The LRC also produces Codes of Practice to guide employers on the fair treatment of employees.
The Annual Report highlights that 2007 had the lowest level of days lost due to industrial disputes on record. Over 80% of disputes referred to the Conciliation Service of the LRC were resolved by it. Such disputes emerged in sectors such as aviation, transport, financial, pharmaceutical, retail and health.
There was an increase of 26% in referrals to the Rights Commissioner's Service in 2007 (this follows on from a 28% increase in 2006). The Chief Executive of the LRC asked that representatives of both employers and employees assist the Rights Commissioner's office in processing the high levels of referrals by seeking fewer adjournments and by co-operating with the scheduling arrangements. Unnecessary delays were being encountered by the unavailability of the parties on the days assigned for hearings and by last minute objections and rescheduling.
The Annual Report is available on the LRC's website (www.lrc.ie).