The Tánaiste, Mary Coughlan, has announced that Peter Cassells and Finbarr Flood are to lead the investigation into the recent dispute between the TEEU and employers in the electrical contracting industry.
As the issue of pay has been dealt with by the Labour Court, Minister Coughlan has set up the inquiry to examine a number of other issues including current negotiating and collective bargaining arrangements within the sector.
Also the inquiry will look at the need, if any, for adapting and changing collective agreements and the most effective ways of implementing any changes needed.
Under Section 38(2) of the Industrial Relations Act 1990 the Minister can set up such an inquiry if she is of the opinion that a trade dispute is of special importance.
This section of the Industrial Relations Act has been invoked on two previous occasions, in the Dublin Airport baggage handlers dispute in 1998, and in the TEAM Aer Lingus dispute in 1994.
Mr Flood is a former Chairman of the Labour Court and Mr Cassells is Chairperson of the National Centre for Partnership & Performance and former General Secretary of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions.
The Tánaiste said that 'both Mr Cassells and Mr Flood have long and distinguished track records in the industrial relations area'.
She said she was calling on all stakeholders in the electrical contracting sector to co-operate fully with their work in this investigation.
The ultimate objective is to 'identify a way to restore the orderly conduct of relationships between all parties into the future,' she said.
