Court recommends that company recognise union

Unite, which represents archaeologists working for the Irish Archaeological Consultancy, has called on the company to implement the Labour Court’s recommendation that IAC accept the union’s right to represent members working for IAC.  The recommendation comes in the wake of last year’s dispute which saw Unite members in IAC engage in three 24-hour stoppages.  IAC declined to attend the Labour Court hearing, having previously indicated that it would disregard the outcome.

Commenting, Unite Regional Coordinating Officer Richie Browne said:

“While the Labour Court recommendation is not binding on the company, it would be extremely disappointing if a company in receipt of significant public contracts – as is the case with IAC – continues refusing to engage with the State’s industrial relations machinery or respecting the view taken by the Labour Court”.

Jean O’Dowd is Chair of Unite’s Archaeological Branch and added:

“Collective negotiations can have positive outcomes for both employers and employees, as demonstrated by the WRC-facilitated agreement concluded last year between Unite and Rubicon Heritage.  Employer engagement with the union representing Irish archaeologists would also help provide stability in the sector.  We would urge the Irish Archaeological Consultancy to accept the Labour Court recommendation and sit down with Unite to talk about the way forward”, Ms O’Dowd concluded.