Protection for strikers

Nine months after the passing of the Employment Relations Act 1999, the necessary regulations are in force to give a measure of protection to strikers in the first eight weeks of industrial action. Where "protected" industrial action (action preceded by a lawful ballot) begins on or after 24 April 2000 it will be automatically unfair for an employer to dismiss employees taking action during the first eight weeks of any industrial action. Beyond eight weeks it may still be unfair to dismiss an employee, where procedural steps have not been taken to resolve the dispute.