Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 22 June 2022

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

European Works Councils and Related Irish Legislation: Discussion

Mr. Tom Hayes:

Can I say one thing on that before SIPTU does? We have to turn up under the European works council. I understand what the Deputy is saying in terms of normal industrial relations procedures, but the European works council is a legal contract between management and the employee side. It is slightly different from a normal agreement. We have an obligation to turn up. It is just like if we are summoned to court. If we do not turn up, we will lose the case. We have an obligation to turn up. That will not be an issue.