Background Trade Unions have been the subject of special legislation since the late 19th Century. The legislation gives them many of the characteristics of companies and other incorporated bodies. They fall into the same broad category of legal organisation, as friendly societies, industrial and provident societies and credit unions. The policy of the State has been to incentivise the rationalisation […]
Overview The Trades Disputes Act, 1906 introduced important immunities for trades unions and employees in undertaking strike and other industrial action. The so-called golden formula which was first introduced by the 1906 Act, sets out the conditions under which lawful strike action may be taken so that the key immunities are available. The law was reformed and modernised in 1990. […]
Right to Strike The European Union Social Charter provides for the right to strike. In Ireland, there is no direct right to strike. It exists as a series of negative immunities. There is immunity from certain legal rights of third parties which would otherwise apply in relation to the effects of industrial action. The right is, therefore, indirect in nature. […]
Picketing I It is lawful for a person acting on his own behalf or on behalf of a trade union in contemplation or furtherance of a trade dispute to attend at or near the approaches of a place where his employer works or carries on business, provided that it is merely for the purpose of obtaining or communicating information or […]