Do we have to make our information and consultation request directly to the employer?

Requests for negotiations on information and consultation arrangements do not have to be sent directly to the employer.

This is the case where there is a pre-existing agreement or where no information and consultation arrangements exist in the workplace.

Where employees are worried about victimisation, requests can be made anonymously via the Central Arbitration Committee, a Government body which oversees collective workplace negotiations under law.

The CAC will notify the employer that a request has been made, and ask for information from the employer to verify the numbers of employees in the undertaking and that the required number have made the request.

Where a valid request is made, the employer will be obliged to enter into negotiations within one month with employee representatives elected or appointed by the workforce over an agreement on information and consultation arrangements within the undertaking.