The SBP mentioned this weekend that Mandate has criticised employers in the state for simply ignoring the Labour Court in disputes. These included Dunnes, Tesco, Lloyds and TK Maxx – and as it notes that’s a good 25,000 workers. Mandate’s attitude is that it is necessary to strengthen collective bargaining laws.
Got to say, I find it hard to believe that is going to happen under this government, or any likely successor next election around.
But there’s an important aspect to this, that this dynamic is a function of increased militancy amongst private sector employees – particularly ones as with Lloyds and TK Maxx where the companies will simply not meet unions. But even where unions are recognised the LC is ignored. It’s a neat delaying tactic.