Why this ground matters
Covers rest break, maximum weekly hours, and annual leave entitlement disputes — among the most common workplace-rights complaints in Ireland, according to the WRC's own 2025 Annual Report — the Commission received 10,559 complaint applications in total in 2025, up 44% on 2024.
Submitting to the WRC
Deadline
6 months from the date of the contravention (extendable to 12 months for reasonable cause) — Section 41(6)/(8), Workplace Relations Act 2015
Fee
None — the WRC does not charge to bring or hear a complaint
Governing law
The Organisation of Working Time Act 1997
Generate your working time & rest breaks letter now
Your letter cites Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and Section 41 of the Workplace Relations Act 2015. Free preview — €9.99 to download the clean, submission-ready PDF that accompanies your WRC complaint form.
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Common questions
What rest breaks am I legally entitled to?
At least 11 consecutive hours’ rest in any 24-hour period, a 24-hour weekly rest period, and a 15–30 minute break during your shift depending on its length — under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997.
How long do I have to bring this complaint?
Six months from the date of the contravention under Section 41(6) of the Workplace Relations Act 2015. If you're close to that deadline, an extension to 12 months can be sought under Section 41(8) where reasonable cause for the delay can be shown.
Is there a fee to complain to the WRC?
No — filing a complaint with the Workplace Relations Commission is free. WRCLetter.ie charges €9.99 to generate your accompanying letter; the WRC itself charges nothing to bring or hear your complaint.
What happens after I submit my complaint?
The WRC may offer mediation if both parties agree, or the case proceeds to an adjudication hearing before an Adjudication Officer. In 2025 the WRC issued decisions within a median of 39 working days.
Other grounds for complaint
Have more than one issue with the same employer? You can cite multiple grounds in a single letter — start with whichever applies to you.
Guides & resources