How do I get my Rights?

Ask your Employer

In the event that you believe you are not receiving one or more of your employment rights, as a first step you should always bring the issue to the attention of your employer. They may not be aware that they are required to provide you with a particular entitlement. By bringing the matter to their attention you may find that the issue can be resolved.

Seek the Advice of Your Trade Union

If you are a member of a trade union, you may seek advice from your shop steward or relevant full time union official in relation to your employment rights and entitlements and the options you have to seek to have them enforced.

You can also call the UnionConnect service by telephoning 0818 300 900 or online at www.unionconnect.ie to obtain a range of factsheets outlining the options you can take to resolve workplace problems, how a union can help you and how to become a union member.

Complaints to the Labour Relations Commission, Equality Tribunal, National Employment Rights Authority, Employment Appeals Tribunal or the Labour Court can now be made using this .  This form once completed should be forwarded to Workplace Relations Customer Services, Department of Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, O'Brien Road, Carlow.

The Employment Appeals Tribunal hears appeals on decisions made by the Rights Commissioner Service under certain legislation. For further details on specific employment rights, please use the left navigation bar.

The Civil Courts

Certain issues of dispute between employees and employers (usually those which involve an alleged breach of contract on the employer's part) can be pursued through the civil courts. Claims of gender discrimination contrary to the Employment Equality Acts can also be taken in the first instance to the Circuit Court. However, civil court actions can be expensive as it will often be necessary to engage professional legal assistance and court fees have to be paid. There are no fees payable for claims taken to employment rights bodies such as the Rights Commissioner Service or the Employment Appeals Tribunal. Neither is it necessary to be legally represented before those bodies.

If you are unsure which avenue to take, please contact NERA on 1890 808090.

*Under certain employment legislation (e.g. Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977 to 2007) there is a choice regarding the avenue of redress. For further details please contact NERA Information Services.