Employment for Learning minister, Dr Stephen Farry MLA of the Alliance Party today announced the reappointment of the four members of the Industrial Court. The Industrial Court has its origins in the Industrial Courts Act 1919 and is responsible for the resolution of disputes arising from statutory trade union recognition for collective bargaining purposes; and employee information and consultation rights.

The four members reappointed are:

• Barry Fitzpatrick
  a semi-retired consultant, has been deputy Chair of the Industrial Court since its reconstitution in 2001. He has been Acting Chair since 2010.
• George McGrath
  a retired deputy chief executive with BT (NI)
• Peter Williamson
  a retired Irish regional secretary for the trade union Amicus
• Avril Hall-Callaghan
  general secretary of the Ulster Teachers’ Union

The four appointees have all been members of the Industrial Court since its reconstitution in 2001, with Mr Fitzpatrick having been deputy Chair since 2001 and Acting Chair since 2010. They will continue to bring significant employment relations experience to the work of the Court, coupled with an understanding of dispute resolution and a keen awareness of the importance of good employment practice.

The reappointments take effect from 1 April 2013 for a period of three years. Their previous appointments were effective from 1 April 2010 to 31 March 2013.

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