Legislation giving workers the right to demand information from their employer and to be consulted about developments likely to impact on their employment or conditions came fully into effect in March 2008. This now applies to all undertakings with 50 or more employees in this country. However, to secure this right 10% of the employees must formally request to be informed and consulted within the terms of the Employees (Provision of Information and Consultation) Act, 2006. Following this, negotiations will commence on the detailed mechanisms necessary, including elections of employee representatives to an Information and Consultation Forum.
Congress has prepared a guide for union officials and workplace representatives likely to be involved in these negotiations.