All organisations that act as employers must comply with the requirements of Irish and EU laws, standards and regulations, including those relating to equality, employment and health & safety. There are a number of public services available for employees and employers where disputes or grievances arise, these include:
The Conciliation Service provided by the Labour Relations Commission is available to all employees and employers except those specifically excluded by law, namely: the army, police and prison services. To use the service employees need not be trade union members, nor do employers have to belong to a representative body.
The Rights Commissioner Service provided by the Labour Relations Commission investigate disputes, grievances and claims that individuals or small groups of workers refer under the following legislation:
The Adoptive Leave Act, 1995
The Carers Leave Act, 2001
The Competition Act, 2002
The European Communities (Protection of Employment) Regulations, 2000
The European Communities (Protection of Employees on Transfer of Undertakings) Regulations, 2003
The Industrial Relations Acts, 1969-2001
The Industrial Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004
The Maternity Protection Act, 1994 as amended by the Maternity Protection (Amendment) Act, 2004
The National Minimum Wage Act, 2000
The Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997
The Parental Leave Act, 1998 The Payment of Wages Act, 1991
The Protection of Employees (Fixed Term Work) Act, 2003
The Protection of Employees (Part Time Work) Act, 2001
The Protection of Young Persons (Employment) Act, 1996
The Protection for Persons Reporting Child Abuse Act, 1998
The Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005
The Terms of Employment (Information) Act, 1994
The Unfair Dismissals Acts, 1977 2001
A Code of Practice for Employers and Employees on the Prevention and Resolution of Bullying at Work came into effect on 1st May 2007. The Code notes the provision in the Safety, Health and Welfare Act 2005 requiring employers to manage work activities to prevent improper conduct or behaviour at work. Among the features of the Code is the setting out of the responsibilities of both employers and employees in preventing bullying. The code also provides guidance on identifying bullying and gives advice on how to prepare a bullying policy in the workplace.
