NEWS
New equality law guide THE Irish Congress of Trade Unions has published a comprehensive new guide to employment equality law and the taking of employment equality cases in the Republic of Ireland. Titled Employment Equality Acts 19982015: A Guide for Trade Unions, it was written by Kevin Duffy BL, a former Chair of the Labour Court. It provides a comprehensive guide to the taking of employment rights cases in the Republic of Ireland, in light of the 2015 Workplace Relations Act and reflects changes in procedures and processes affecting both the Workplace Relations Commission and the Labour Court. The guide was published with the support of the Irish Human Rights & Equality
Guide author Kevin Duffy is a former Labour Court Chair
Commission (IHREC). Speaking at the November 7 launch at the Hugh Lane Gallery in Dublin, Kevin Foley, who is current Chair of the Labour Court, said: “The principle of equal treatment in employment is underpinned by the law. It is critical that law is understandable and that all parties to the employment relationship are equipped to understand how that principle of equal treatment set out in law operates. “Kevin Duffy has a long record of significant contribution to Irish life over many years and I think this extraordinarily comprehensive, learned and accessible guide will prove to be an invaluable resource to all who use it to understand the operation of equality law.” Check out guide at http://bit.ly/2B9qzts
Picture: ICTU
SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Seismic shift needed on Congress calls for revision of primary care workplace code of practice ICTU has told the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Health that an expansion of Primary Care services as recommended by the Sláintecare report would require “a seismic shift” in eligibility and public access to GP and Primary Care services. Congress told the Committee that all such services should be provided by “directly employed health professionals.” Speaking before the Oireachtas Committee on November 29, Liam Doran, Chair of the Congress Health Committee, said: “We believe the expansion of these services should, in the context of universal access, be integrated. In other words universal access to GP, and Primary Care services should be seamless and delivered by a Primary Care team of health professionals.” Mr Doran explained that “the seamless approach is the most effective way of dealing with growing demand, including the management of chronic disease, in a quality assured way.”
IN THE PICTURE...
THE Irish Congress of Trade Unions has called for a renewal and redoubling of efforts to tackle sexual harassment and violence in the workplace and across wider society, including a revision in an existing workplace code of practice on sexual harassment. ICTU Equality Officer David Joyce, speaking on the eve of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (November 25), told Shopfloor: “As recent events have clearly demonstrated we need to renew and redouble our efforts if we are to effectively tackle sexual harassment and violence in the workplace and wider society. “Trade unions and employers play a major role in making work safe for women, and helping to eliminate harassment and violence against women. “Collective agreements have proven to be a most effective means to combat this scourge and it is timely to remind ourselves of the 2002 Code of Practice on Sexual Harassment at Work (revised in 2012) previously
David Joyce:‘We must redouble our efforts’
agreed between Congress and employers’ body IBEC. The code points out that the best way to minimise such behaviour in the workplace is through preventive measures and to create an effective policy with a strong commitment to implementation.” Mr Joyce noted that ICTU has also recently called for complaints of sexual harassment to be elevated to the
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status of ‘protected disclosures’ – as opposed to ‘workplace grievances’ – thereby ensuring stronger protection and reporting mechanisms for those submitting complaints. ICTU General Secretary Patricia King has described this proposed change as a “potential game changer” and a “major step forward for those suffering such abuse.” And it is understood ICTU is now
Women should not have to resort to #MeToo to expose abuse. There should be no more brushing of sexual harassment and violence under the carpet...
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Industrial Officers John Callan (first picture, far left) and Barbara Anderson (second picture, far right) at ICTU Labour Court training. Both IOs are based in Mandate’s Dublin Office December 2017
y SHOPFLOOR
Picture: ICTU
calling for a further revision of the code to ensure the maximum protections for people and to review how best practice can deliver workplaces free of sexual harassment. ICTU is also supporting the campaign to push governments to support a binding ILO Convention to end gender-based violence in the workplace. The Irish Government has a seat on the ILO governing body and ICTU has urged them to play a “proactive role”. Mr Joyce said: “Women should not have to resort to #MeToo to expose abuse. There should be no more brushing of sexual harassment and violence under the carpet.
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