At the outset, it is worth stating that Ireland’s system of industrial relations is, essentially, voluntary in nature. The responsibility for the resolution of industrial disputes between employers and workers, rests with the employer, the workers and their representatives. It is important that the autonomy of both employee and employer bodies and their respective members in such matters is respected by the State.
For its part, the State provides the industrial relations dispute settlement mechanisms i.e. the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court, to support parties in their efforts to resolve their differences.
However, I would like to emphasise the need for workers and employers to make every effort to reach a resolution. The dispute handling mechanisms of the State are of course willing, where possible, to assist the parties in coming to a resolution.
In this case, I understand that the Workplace Relations Commission invited all interested parties to an exploratory talks process in late December 2021. At the time, consensus was not reached for talks to commence. The WRC's confidential conciliation services remain open to both parties.