Negotiations — Individual & Group
Preparation and support for negotiations involving individuals, groups and employee representatives.
Industrial & Employee Relations · Ireland
Experience that brings
clarity to complexity.
Practical industrial and employee relations advice, grounded in 30 years of experience—including Sean’s tenure as Head of Industrial Relations at Irish Rail. Award-winning team leadership and first-hand negotiating experience, brought to your workplace challenges.
30+
Years Experience
IR/ER
Specialist
Public & Private
Sector Clients
About
A clear perspective.
Three decades of experience.
During Sean Walsh’s career at Irish Rail, and particularly as Head of Industrial Relations, Sean led his team to a number of prestigious awards, including the HR People Team of the Year Award at the annual CIPD Awards in 2023.
In 2022, Sean & his team at Irish Rail negotiated a five-year pay deal internally with their representative trade unions, without the assistance of statutory third parties—a first in the history of Irish Rail and the CIE Group.
Sean is also an associate of Adare HRM, working as a Senior IR/ER Consultant.
His early career included many years as a Lay Trade Union Representative, and he also spent a period of time as a full-time official.
Whether you're a small business facing your first IR/ER challenge or a public body preparing for sector-wide pay negotiations, we provide clear, strategic, and practical guidance grounded in decades of real-world experience.
Public Sector IR/ER
30+ years direct experience
ADARE HRM Associate
Senior IR/ER Consultant
Trade Union Background
Lay rep & full-time official
Dispute Resolution
WRC, Labour Court experience
Services
Practical support.
When it matters most.
From an individual workplace issue to a collective negotiation, find the support that fits your situation.
Mediations
A structured approach to discussing differences and exploring a workable resolution.
Conciliations
Preparation and support for conciliation discussions between parties in dispute.
Adjudications
Support with preparing and presenting your position at adjudication hearings.
Pay Deals
Advice and negotiating support for pay discussions and collective agreements.
Change Management
Guidance on the employee relations implications of organisational change.
Employee/Employer Investigations
Support with workplace investigations involving employers and employees.
Disciplinary Advice & Carrying out Hearings
Practical advice on disciplinary matters and support with conducting hearings.
Chairmanship of Joint Company/Trade Union Forums
Chairing joint forums to support focused, constructive discussions.
Representation of Individuals or Companies at Statutory Third Party Hearings
Representation for individuals and organisations at statutory third-party hearings.
Interviewing
Support with conducting structured interviews.
Advice on Industrial Relations/Employee Relations Issues
Clear advice on day-to-day industrial and employee relations matters.
Conflict Resolution
Practical support to address workplace conflict, manage difficult conversations and build constructive working relationships.
Experience
Experience in action
Highlights from Sean’s career at Irish Rail.
2023 · Team leadership
Recognition at the CIPD Awards
As Head of Industrial Relations at Irish Rail, Sean led his team to a number of prestigious awards, including the HR People Team of the Year Award at the annual CIPD Awards in 2023.
HR People Team of the Year · CIPD Awards 2023
2022 · Pay negotiations
A first for the CIE Group
Sean and his team negotiated a five-year pay deal internally with their representative trade unions, without the assistance of statutory third parties—a first in the history of the CIE Group.
Five-year pay deal · Negotiated internally
Client experience
What clients say
I would highly recommend SW Consulting, particularly in relation to complex and sensitive employee relations matters. We engaged them to oversee and support a disciplinary process. They handled the matter with professionalism, objectivity and a strong grasp of fair process throughout.
We found Sean’s guidance to be measured, practical, and responsive, ensuring that each stage of the process was managed appropriately and in accordance with best practice. Sean brought clarity and reassurance to a challenging situation, while maintaining discretion and treating all parties with respect.
His expertise, calm approach, and attention to detail were evident throughout. His contribution was instrumental in ensuring the process was conducted thoroughly, fairly, and professionally. I would not hesitate to engage SW Consulting’s service again.
Sean Walsh provided outstanding support to the business during a sensitive HR dispute between two senior managers within our business this past summer. Acting as an independent mediator, he handled a genuinely difficult situation with tact, professionalism and complete discretion.
Throughout the process, Sean kept us fully informed at every stage and consistently provided clear, expert recommendations that gave us confidence in the approach being taken. His efficient handling of a complex matter led to a swift resolution that was very much in line with what we had hoped to achieve.
We were extremely pleased with the outcome, and I would not hesitate to recommend Sean to any organisation seeking experienced, independent HR mediation support.
Sean was very astute in facilitating a very complex negotiation with 5 Trade Unions on pension reform in 2025, which resulted in a positive ballot on change across 2 large pension schemes.
In 2026, Sean was selected jointly by the trade unions and the company to chair a joint working party to agree a Group Income Protection arrangement given his previous experience in the area. Sean has deftly managed a complicated process including multiple company, union, actuarial and legal stakeholders. Sean’s ability to call out the issues and instinct on when to move matters into side sessions, has been invaluable.
I have no hesitation in recommending Sean for any Human Resources or Industrial Relations challenge.
Contact
Let's Talk
Whether you need urgent advice or want to discuss a longer-term engagement, we're here to help. Get in touch for a confidential, no-obligation conversation.
Email
Location
Dublin, Ireland
Available nationwide
Available nationwide