With declining unionization levels in many countries, there has been an

increasing focus on alternative forms of representation. Commentators have

noted the growth in civil society organizations, such as the Citizens Advice

Bureaux in the UK, which can provide information, advice, and support to

nonunionized employees. In this context, we examine the role of the Irish

Citizens Information Services (CISs) in the area of employment. The CISs

are state-funded services that provide information and advice to members of

the public on their legal and social entitlements. We find that the CISs are an

important mechanism by which nonunionized employees can self-empower.

The advocacy role of CISs could go some way to protecting unionized

employees but is in its infancy, and an expansion of the advocacy service

would increase protection for nonunionized employees.