Browse through brief employment and labor law updates from around the globe. Contact a Littler attorney for more information or view our global locations.

View all Q2 2020 Global Guide Quarterly updates   Download full Q2 2020 Global Guide Quarterly

High Court Upholds the Constitutionality of the Workplace Relations Commission

Precedential Decision by Judiciary or Regulatory Agency

Author: Loughlin Deegan, Partner – ByrneWallace

The Irish High Court has rejected a challenge to the validity of the Workplace Relations Act 2014 and in particular, the constitutionality of the Workplace Relations Commission. In an article entitled “High Court upholds the constitutionality of the Workplace Relations Commission,” ByrneWallace analyzes the decision of the court.

New Labor Court Rules Published

Important Action by Regulatory Agency

Author: Lorraine Smyth, Partner – ByrneWallace

On March 30, 2020, the Labor Court Rules 2020 came into effect, revoking and replacing the Labor Court Rules 2019. In light of the current COVID-19 situation it is particularly timely that the 2020 Rules note the Court is continuing to engage in a digitisation programme which, when completed, will allow the Court to receive submissions electronically. The Rules also provide that, in addition to decisions, “…notification of hearings will be published on the Court’s website”. It is not yet clear what level of detail will be published. ByrneWallace discusses a summary of the main changes in its article entitled “New Labor Court Rules Published.”

COVID-19 - Potential Measures to Reduce Workforce Costs

Trend

Authors: Emmet Whelan, Partner and Elaine Kelly, Partner – ByrneWallace

The COVID-19 pandemic is giving rise to enormous HR challenges for most employers. Many employers are taking steps to reduce operating costs to ensure future viability. In an article entitled “COVID-19 - Potential Measures to Reduce Workforce Costs,” and published in their website, ByrneWallace outlines a number of potential measures to reduce workforce costs, and the legal issues arising thereunder. The article explains the potential benefits and risks of implementing lay-offs vis-à-vis short-time work arrangements, the use of annual leave, unpaid leave, pay cuts, redundancy and the government’s temporary wage subsidy scheme.

COVID-19 - Remote Working Policies and Key Challenges Ahead

Trend

Author: Emmet Whelan, Partner – ByrneWallace

A discussion of the challenges faced by employers in light of the COVID-19 crisis in the area of remote working and related issues. The “Government’s Roadmap for Reopening Society and Business” encourages employers to maintain remote working arrangements for employees who can work from home for all five phases. This aligns with the “Return to Work Safely Protocol,” which specifies that “office work should continue to be carried out at home, where practicable and nonessential work.” For many organizations, this will mean requiring employees to work remotely on a longer term basis. Employers should plan for the long term and ensure their remote working policy, and related documentation, is fit for purpose. In the article entitled “COVID-19 - Remote Working Policies and Key Challenges Ahead,” ByrneWallace offers top tips for employers when implementing, or updating, their remote working policies, noting key challenges in the months ahead.