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

Some sectors have established Joint Labour Committees (JLCs) which are composed of representatives of workers and employers from those industries as well as some independent members. JLCs are responsible for reaching agreement on the minimum wages and conditions of employment for those workers represented by them.

If the Labour Court accepts the JLC’s proposals it will adopt an Employment Regulation Order (ERO) making the agreements legally binding. An employer of workers to whom an ERO applies must display a prescribed notice in the place of employment setting out the particulars of the relevant ERO.

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

EROs and 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 ERO or REA.

Important

EROs and 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.