WRC recommends binding arbitration in worker’s long-running grievance dispute

The WRC recommended binding arbitration to resolve a worker’s long-running dispute with a semi-state company over its handling of his grievance. The recommendation, dated 8 May 2023, covers related complaints IR - SC - 00000314 and IR - SC - 00000315. The worker alleged breaches of his contract and failures to follow grievance and attendance procedures. The employer said it had followed its processes and that the worker disagreed with their findings; it also said his role was needed and voluntary redundancy was not offered. The adjudication officer made no findings on the allegations and recommended that the parties agree on an arbitrator experienced in industrial relations and employment law. The arbitration is to examine the grievance investigation, including the contract and procedure allegations and claims of bullying or harassment, but exclude voluntary severance. The arbitrator’s findings will bind both parties, with no further recourse to the WRC on the dispute.