Labour Relations Agency (Northern Ireland)

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Labour Relations Agency
LabourRelationsAgency NI whitebackground.png
Non-Departmental Public Body overview
Formed1976
Jurisdiction Northern Ireland
HeadquartersJames House, Cromac Avenue, Gasworks, Belfast
Minister responsible
  • Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA, Minister for the Economy
Non-Departmental Public Body executive
  • Gordon Milligan, Chairperson
Website http://www.lra.org.uk

The Labour Relations Agency (LRA) is a non-departmental public body in Northern Ireland responsible for promoting the improvement of industrial relations. Founded in 1976, the Agency is independent of Government and funded by a grant from the Department for the Economy. [1]

Contents

The management of the Labour Relations Agency is vested in the LRA Board. The current Chairperson is Gordon Milligan. The rest of the board is made up of experienced trade unionists and industry and employment law specialists. [2]


Functions

The Labour Relations Agency provides free, impartial and confidential services to anyone involved in the world of work in Northern Ireland, including employers, workers and trade unions. The Agency provides guidance, training and resources to help workers and employers understand their employment rights and responsibilities. It also provides a range of workplace dispute resolution services including conciliation, mediation and arbitration services. It has a dedicated helpline (its Workplace Information Service) available on 03300 333 500.

As part of mediating disputes, the Agency held mediation meetings between Caterpillar and unions over a "take it or leave it" offer to staff, [3] and facilitated talks between AG and GMB over a 2.5% pay offer. [4]

References

  1. "About Us | Labour Relations Agency". Archived from the original on 23 April 2013. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
  2. "LRA Board | Labour Relations Agency". Archived from the original on 26 April 2013. Retrieved 28 March 2013.
  3. Campbell, John (27 June 2022). "Caterpillar makes 'take it or leave it' offer to NI staff". BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation. Archived from the original on 27 June 2022. Retrieved 4 October 2024.
  4. McDonald, Gary (9 October 2024). "Industrial action enters a fifth week at Toome brick plant". The Irish News. The Irish News Ltd. Archived from the original on 10 September 2024. Retrieved 4 October 2024.

Official website