Union Representation
Employees in Ireland have a right set down in the Constitution to join a trade union. A trade union can provide an important source of information and protection in relation to employment matters, as well as negotiating with the employer for better pay and conditions.
There is no legal obligation on an employer to negotiate with a union on behalf of an employee member, unless previously agreed. This does not prevent a dispute about trade union recognition from being a lawful dispute.
The Irish Congress of Trade Unions is the single umbrella organisation for trade unions in Ireland, representing a range of interests of employees, both in the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland.
If you pay subscriptions to a trade union in Ireland, it is possible to claim tax credits at the standard rate for these subscriptions.
Condition of Employment
It can be made a condition of employment that you must join a particular union upon accepting a job offer and remain in that union while you remain an employee in that job. There is a view that this may not be constitutional, but this has not been tested in the courts yet. If you are already in the job without being a union member and are at a later stage required to join a union by your employer, you can refuse, as this is unconstitutional.
Dismssal for Union Activity
Dismissal for trade union activity or membership is automatically unfair and an employee dismissed in such circumstances does not require any particular length of service in the job in order to enforce his/her rights. If you have been dismissed from your employment for trade union activity, this is automatically unfair under the Unfair Dismissals Acts 1977-2001. You do not require any particular length of service as an employee, to bring a case in this instance under the law. You can bring your case to a Rights Commissioner or to the Employment Appeals Tribunal.
