NI Industrial Court awards first Trade Union recognition

The Industrial Court, which adjudicates on trade union recognition issues, has awarded its first statutory recognition.

The decision, made on Tuesday November 6, gives the AEEU (the Amalgamated Engineering and Electrical Union) the statutory right to negotiate on collective bargaining issues on behalf of workers at EM Solutions, Lisburn.

Chairman of the Industrial Court, Richard Steele, said: “The Employment Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, seeks to encourage voluntary agreements between employers and trade unions. However, there may be times when, despite the best efforts of all concerned, agreement cannot be reached. This is where the Industrial Court comes in. Since the Industrial Court came into operation in March we have had six applications. This AEEU application has resulted in the first statutory recognition while two others have led to semi-voluntary agreements. We have accepted the three remaining applications and they are currently going through the statutory decision making process.

“I am convinced that this new statutory procedure will become an accepted and enduring feature of the Northern Ireland employment relations system. It is fair, workable, and balanced. The costs to business of operating the procedure are low. Moreover, businesses employing fewer than 21 people are exempt from the legislation.”

With statutory recognition having been awarded to the AEEU, the parties will now have 30 working days to agree a method of collective bargaining. They may seek help from the Industrial Court or the Labour Relations Agency.

However, if the parties fail to reach agreement then the Industrial Court will determine the method. (AMcE)