The genesis of private dispute resolution in Irish industrial relations

Abstract

This article examines the genesis of private dispute resolution arrangements introduced by employers and unions in Ireland. These forms of collective alternative dispute resolution (ADR) comprise three-person panels or sole adjudicators, who mediate and issue findings on collective disputes. Findings may be non-binding or binding. Using data and interviews covering 11 private dispute resolution arrangements in 10 organisations, the paper identifies the circumstances in which they have emerged and a series of influences that lead employers and unions make path-breaking changes in dispute resolution procedures.