Industry Specific Information

This section deals with industry-specific agreements on minimum rates of pay and other conditions of employment. It is important to note that aspects of these agreements often provide enhanced terms and conditions over and above what is provided in general legislation.

Joint Labour Committees and Employment Regulation Orders

The High Court has made the ruling that the Employment Regulation Order (ERO) wage setting mechanism is unconstitutional. For detailed information in relation to NERA and the implications of the ruling please see the attached document. FAQ ERO High Court Ruling 13 July 2011

Please be aware that the current NERA position as outlined is very likely to change in the event of the introduction of legislation. NERA will publish any updates as they become available.

The following is a link to the Statement by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton TD on the consequences of the High Court judgment in the case of John Grace Fried Chicken Limited and Others v The Catering Joint Labour Committee and Others, delivered on 7th July 2011

Registered Employment Agreements

Registered Employment Agreements (REAs) enable employer and worker representatives collectively from any sector or enterprise to reach legally binding agreements on pay and other conditions of employment. Once registered with the Labour Court, these agreements are binding on all the parties to whom it is expressed to apply even if these workers and employers were not a party to the agreement.

Enforcement

REAs are enforced by NERA Inspectors. These inspectors have power to enter premises, inspect wage sheets and other records, interview the employers and workers concerned, recover arrears and, if necessary, take legal proceedings against an employer who is in breach of an REA.

Important

REAs are regularly renegotiated and apply only to the industry (and geographical locations) specified. This section is intended only as a guide and attempts to summarise under broad headings some of their more prominent features. NERA strongly recommends that you study in full the agreement that affects you. Links to all such agreements are provided within each industry section.