Increasing costs to Irish industry have resulted in a "haemorrhaging" of jobs to Eastern Europe, the Chief Executive of the Labour Relations Commission (LRC) said today.
Speaking at the publication of the LRC's annual report, Mr Kieran Mulvey said Irish companies were taking stock of their competitive position, given the global economic downturn and the strength of the euro, and the expansion of the European Union into Eastern Europe.
"These countries are now challenging the Irish model of economic development and our ability to position ourselves as a leading location for attracting foreign direct investment," Mr Mulvey said.
The Commission's annual report shows companies last year lost the lowest number of days due to strikes since 1970.
A total of 1,693 new disputes were referred tot he Conciliation Service last year, necessitating 1,979 full conciliation conferences and 171 varous other meetings. The Commission's settlement rate remained above 80 per cent over the last seven years, the report shows.
Speaking at the publication of the report, the Tánaiste called on those involved in industrial relations to increase the number of disputes resolved at local level and to change the culture of third-party dependency.
She highlighted the strong industrial relations climate as one of the factors in Ireland's economic success.
She said ensuring a good industrial relations environment is an ongoing challenge. "Working in partnership has and will continue to serve us well", she added.