Industrial relations conflict in Irish hospitals: a review of Labour Court cases

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of industrial relations (IR), and IR conflict in the Irish healthcare sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on a thematic analysis of Labour Court cases concerning hospitals over a ten‐year period.

Findings

The findings of the paper indicate that the nature of IR conflict is changing in healthcare. The paper suggests that alternative manifestations of IR conflict evident in the Irish healthcare sector include: absenteeism as a form of temporary exit; and resistance. The key groups in the sector are discussed in the context of their contrasting disputes. The themes which characterise negotiations are identified as precedent, procedure and partnership.

Research limitations/implications

The research was conducted in the healthcare sector, and thus its transferability is limited. Caution is also required as the research pertains to one national setting, which despite sharing some structural similarities with other health and IR systems, is a unique context. The paper highlights the importance of recognising IR conflict in its various forms. It is further suggested that managing the process of IR conflict may be significant in furthering change agendas.

Originality/value

The value of the paper centres on the investigation of alternative manifestations of IR conflict in the healthcare sector.

Citation

Cowman, J. and Keating, M.A. (2013), "Industrial relations conflict in Irish hospitals: a review of Labour Court cases", Journal of Health Organization and Management, Vol. 27 No. 3, pp. 368-389. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHOM-11-2012-0223