Consultation Paper on Alternative Dispute Resolution - Law Reform ...

Service became involved with the parties took place in March 2004. The
Advisory Service conducted the survey in the Ballygowan premises on the
morning of 30th March 2004 using its Re-Solve technology. Overall the
findings were extremely positive and demonstrated the considerable
transition which had taken place while cautioning that continuing further
vigilance and effort are required if improvements are to continue. Survey
findings included that: 73% of all participants believe Ballygowan is a better
place to work now than in 2000; 63% of all participants believe
communications are better now in Ballygowan; 69% of all participants believe
management/union relations are better; 57% of all participants believe
personnel issues are dealt with more effectively; 67% of all participants
believe training and development is better; 74% of all participants believe
that the Advisory Service contributed to the improvement; and 65% of all
participants believe that the facilitation process contributed to the
improvement.
4.26 The Advisory Service delivers a broad range of services including:
industrial relations audits, 39 joint working parties, 40 preventive services and
advice, 41 and frequent users initiative. 42
4.27 Under the Industrial Relations Act 1990 the Labour Relations
Commission also has responsibility to prepare and draw up Codes of Practice
on industrial relations matters. 43 They are drafted by the Advisory Service and
39 In conducting an industrial relations audit, the Advisory Service will audit all of the
organisation‘s industrial relations practices. It will also survey all the distinct
groups in the organisation. A survey gathers information, by interview or
questionnaire, on the differing views of industrial relations across the
organisation. Typically an audit is presented as a confidential report with findings
and recommendations. The Division provides further support in terms of
monitoring and, where necessary, assisting with the implementation of
recommendations.
40 The Division chairs joint working sessions of company management and
employee representatives working together to agree and implement
recommendations or decisions to improve industrial relations in the workplace.
41 Assistance is often required in situations where parties anticipate future
difficulties. The Division assists in such cases by providing preventive mediation.
The Division advises on and develops specific disputes and grievance
procedures, new work practices, structural change and other measures.
42 The Frequent Users Initiative is a consultative process undertaken by the
Advisory Service on a regular basis.
43 Section 42 of the 1990 Act.
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