About Us

The Industrial Court is an independent tribunal established to support good industrial relations in Northern Ireland. Operating under statutory powers, the Court plays a key role in resolving disputes between employers and trade unions, primarily concerning trade union recognition and collective bargaining rights.

Our core functions include:

• Adjudicating applications for trade union recognition and derecognition under Schedule 1A of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (enacted in the Employment Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 and amended in the Employment Relations (Northern Ireland) Order 2004)
• Resolving disclosure of information disputes for collective bargaining purposes;
• Handling applications and referrals relating to European Works Councils and employee involvement under various statutory instruments.

The Court operates with impartiality, fairness, and transparency, ensuring that both employers and employees are treated equitably. While we are not a court of law, our decisions are legally binding and guided by employment legislation and best practices in industrial relations.
We are committed to promoting a stable and constructive industrial relations environment across Northern Ireland, helping workplaces navigate complex employment matters through a fair and accessible process.