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Consultation on collective bargaining now open

The Government has opened a consultation process seeking views on an action plan on collective bargaining. 

Ireland is required to establish such a plan under the EU Directive on Adequate Minimum Wages, as its collective-bargaining rate is below the threshold of 80%. 

The Industrial Relations Act 2015 defines ‘collective bargaining’ as comprising voluntary engagements or negotiations between any employer or employers’ organisation, and a trade union of workers or excepted body, with the object of reaching agreement on working conditions or terms of employment. 

Low-paid sectors 

Peter Burke (Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment) said that the Programme for Government contained a commitment to finalise an action plan on the promotion of collective bargaining by the end of 2025. 

He added that the consultation process was intended to help guide the Government on the proposals that might be included in the plan. 

“A strong and well-functioning collective-bargaining system is an important element in the economy to support and promote fair wages, particularly in low-paid sectors,” the minister stated. 

The consultation is open online today (14 April) for four weeks until 5pm on Monday 12 May.