On 25 September 2023, the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) rejected an employee claim, stating that employers who offer employees more favourable sick leave benefits are not obliged to pay statutory sick leave.
It is the first decision rendered on the issue after the Sick Leave Act 2022 (the Act) which came into force on 1 January 2023.
It follows the first consultation phase launched on 11 April 2023, which ended with identifying six main areas for reform, subject to further consultation among the social partners.
The main areas of focus for further consultation concern the modification of the notion of 'transnational issue' and 'consultation,' limiting the possibility for management to classify information as 'confidential'; shortening the timeframe for setting up EWCs, improving the ability of EWCs and their members to enforce their legal rights, and ensuring that all EWCs are fully subject to the EU legal framework.
The second consultation phase will end on 4 October 2023.
On 3 July 2023, the Supreme Court confirmed the principle that the stipulation of equal height for men and women (1.60m) as a requirement for employment constitutes indirect discrimination against women.
The same requirement is neither objectively justified nor relevant and proportional to the duties deriving from the qualification attributed.
The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work announced a new Healthy Workplaces Campaign for 2023-2025, which will be launched in October 2023, aiming to raise awareness of occupational safety and health in the digital age throughout Europe.
The campaign seeks to create a greater understanding of the digital-related occupational safety and health challenges and opportunities at work, promoting a culture of risk prevention.
On 3 July 2023, Law 85 converting, with amendments, the Decree Law 48/2023 on "Urgent measures for social inclusion and access to employment" was published in the Official Gazette.
It aims to ensure greater flexibility for personnel management, introduces amendments to the discipline of fixed-term employment contracts and simplifies information obligations under the Transparency Decree.
On 10 July 2023, the Commission adopted a decision setting up the European social dialogue committee for social services.
It will bring together European employers and trade union organizations of the sector, encompassing approximately 9 million workers throughout the European Union.
It will play a crucial role in shaping policies and fostering cooperation within the sector.
On 11 July 2023, the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) released the Employment Outlook 2023, which shows the latest labour market developments in OECD countries.
It focuses on wage developments and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the labour market (an OECD first-ever study in this area).
Assuming an imminent technological revolution that could radically change the workplace, the report states that there are no signs of slowing labour demand, in the short-term, but possible changes in job quality and tasks.
On 29 June 2023, Eurofound published a new research report on Minimum Wages in 2023.
The report analyses gross statutory minimum wages valid in 2023 in a highly inflationary environment and maps wage levels in collective agreements for some low-paid workers in countries without a statutory minimum wage, comparing wage trends and longer-term trends in labor productivity.
It also examines the early impacts of the EU directive on adequate minimum wages.