Courts / Ireland / Report

Defence Forces officers body allowed temporarily join union for pay talks

Summary

The High Court heard that the State has agreed to allow the Representative Association of Commissioned Officers (RACO) to temporarily join the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) for public sector pay talks. RACO had previously been denied consent to join ICTU, unlike the Defence Forces rank‑and‑file body PDFORRA, which had been granted permission. RACO and its Secretary General, Commandant Conor King, sued the Minister for Defence and the Attorney General, claiming the refusal breached RACO's right to collective bargaining and violated the European Convention on Human Rights. After out‑of‑court discussions, the parties settled. The court will order that RACO may become a temporary associate member of ICTU until 30 June 2024 or until related legislation is introduced. RACO agreed not to call for or support industrial action, to refrain from encouraging protests or media commentary against government policy, and to maintain officers' unconditional availability to the State.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Defence Forces officers body allowed temporarily join union for pay talks. Procedural stage: hearing_or_decision

When:

• June 30 2024 Other
• 2022-06-02 Publication

Case subjects

Places mentioned

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Stage Hearing Or Decision

Read the original CNI report