Another legal challenge to the REA / ERO systems is due to be heard in the High Court on Wednesday, 16th March 2011 . One week has been set aside to hear the case. The challenge is been brought by the Quick Service Food Alliance (QSFA) is a constitutional challenge on the Catering JLC. While the issues are complex the case basically questions the powers of a Joint Labour Council and the Labour Court to make agreements which then become legally binding on other employers who are outside the system. The constitution clearly states that the only body which can make the laws in Ireland is the Dail. NECI representatives will attend the Court and keep a close eye on the case.
We do not expect a fast result from this challenge but we can only welcome any development which highlights the negative side of the current setup.
SERIOUS QUESTIONS ASKED OF REGISTERED AGREEMENT SYSTEM 18th February 2011

On RTEs Prime Time Late Debate on 17th Feb. 2011 some serious questions were asked of the current REA and ERO systems. These systems are the method of setting pay and conditions and only operate in certain Industries. The problems regarding Registered Employment Agreements were clearly highlighted. Of course none of this is news to the small Electrical Contractors who have been at the blunt end of the problems caused by Registered Agreements for the last number of years. It was refreshing to hear that NECI are not the only ones to question the relevance and operation of the entire 1946 Industrial Relations Act. This is particularly relevant during the current economic crisis. NECI has done an excellent job in highlighting the negative aspect of these agreements. In the past this negative aspect has been glossed over and misrepresented by Trade Unions and Large Employers who will sell anything to maintain Industrial Peace. This applies even if the cost is major job losses and the demise of small business.style=”COLOR: black”>The agreement operating in the Electrical Contracting Sector is clearly not fit for purpose and NECI demand that it is immediately cancelled before any further damage is done to our Industry. It is clear that the agreement is now outdated and un-workable. The Private Limited Company which was set up by the Trade Union and the Large Employers needs to be immediately wound up. This Private Company has misrepresented itself and bullied small contractors into complying with an agreement they knew nothing about. To make things worse these small contractors were excluded from having any input into the Agreement in the first place. It is time to inform employees that these agreements cause small contractors to be un-competitive and will eventually lead to the demise of all small employers.
It is now clear that the only winner from these Agreements are Large Business, Out of state Companies and the Black Economy.
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