Labour and Training has handled an increasing number of work-related disputes in recent years, from 519 in 201,1 to 565 in 2012.The figures were revealed by Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy during his Budget brief in the Senate.Last year saw 266 non-union complaints filed with the Department under the Employment Act, plus 64 grievances made under union legislation.Of complaints under the Employment Act, 120 related to terminations, 38 to redundancies and 25 to vacation pay.Seventeen went before the Employment Tribunal last year; eight cases were sent to arbitration — and 48 companies required mediation with union representatives.Seven organisations gained union recognition, while one was decertified.Out of the 17 cases heard by tribunal, ten were settled in favour of the complainants, five in favour of the respondents, and two were settled.Most of the cases — eleven — involved terminations.There were 235 recorded consultations with individuals and employers, Senator Fahy said — a “dramatic increase” from 95 in 2011.As of January 30, 2013, there were 109 cases active with Labour Relations, the majority reported last year or in 2013. Six emanated from 2010, and four from 2011.In 2012, 156 cases were closed.The Department has been switching over to managing cases electronically since the second quarter of 2012. The average time to close a case is 63 days.