Document background
Registered Employment Agreements are vital instruments in Irish employment law, designed to establish and maintain standardized employment conditions across specific sectors or enterprises. These agreements emerge from collective bargaining between employer representatives and trade unions, gaining legal enforceability upon registration with the Labour Court under the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015. An REA typically becomes necessary when a sector or enterprise requires uniform employment standards, helping prevent unfair competition through labor cost reduction while ensuring worker protection. The agreement encompasses comprehensive employment terms, from basic pay rates to working conditions, and provides mechanisms for dispute resolution. It's particularly relevant when there's a need to maintain consistent industry standards or address sector-specific challenges through collective agreement.
