TEEU welcomes decision of Tanaiste to establish investigation into the electrical contracting industry July 23rd, 2009. The Technical Engineering and Electrical Union has welcomed the decision of the Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan, to establish an investigation into the electrical contracting industry. However it has also warned that it must report back in a reasonable period of time if it is to avert a resumption of the national strike by 10,500 union members. “We welcome the announcement by the Tanaiste to set up an investigation into the electrical contracting industry”, TEEU General Secretary Owen Wills said today. “If it conducts its business expeditiously and concludes within a month, which would appear a reasonable time, we will co-operate fully and would be hopeful that a resolution to our current problems can be achieved, notwithstanding the ballot of the AECI rejecting the terms already accepted by my own union and by the other employer body, the ECA. “A speedy outcome to the investigation could obviate the need for a resumption of industrial action by our members.” ..... Industrial Relations Act, 1990 Section 38 (1) Where the Minister is of the opinion that a trade dispute, actual or apprehended, affects the public interest, he may refer the matter to the Commission or the Court, which shall endeavour to resolve the dispute. (2) Where the Minister is of the opinion that a trade dispute is a dispute of special importance, he may request the Commission or the Court or another person or body to conduct an enquiry into the dispute and to furnish a report to him on the findings.