Construction unions 'now free to lodge claims'

Trade unions in the construction sector are free to lodge pay claims following the rejection of the national pay deal by the Construction Industry Federations, unions said this afternoon.

A statement released by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) this afternoon said while individual unions and employers have in the past not signed up for national agreements, the CIF rejection was the first time in 22 years that an entire sector had opted out.

“The implications of this decision require some reflection but it is not likely to affect the agreement as it applies to Congress, [employers’ group Ibec] and the Government,” the statement added.

Siptu general president Jack O’Connor said he “very much regretted” the CIF decision to “tear up” the national pay deal

“It is ironic that the employers who benefitted more than any other sector of Irish business from the social partnership model that created the Celtic Tiger, many of whom have grown wealthy beyond their wildest dreams, should be the first to renege on it,” said Mr O’Connor.

“Ordinary families who contributed to this wealth by paying exorbitant prices to put a roof over their heads would doubtless love to be able to walk away from their crushing mortgage repayments as easily.”

He said the CIF decision was “unbelievably short-sighted”.

“There are problems due to the economic downturn but the best way of resolving them is by utilising the infrastructure of the agreement, not by tearing it up,” Mr O’Connor added.

Mr O’Connor said Siptu would be insisting that the Government honours its obligations under the agreement to ensure that only those employers who display a “commitment to the national interest and adhere to national pay policy” qualify for publicly funded contracts.

“We will be seeking an early meeting with the Government to this end.”

The General Secretary of the Technical Engineering Union (TEEU), Owen Wills, said the CIF decision was “an unparalleled act of betrayal.”

“Never before has a senior negotiator for the employers in the pay talks agreed terms and then gone straight out and actively campaigned to destroy the agreement,” said Mr Wills.

“We will be meeting with our colleagues in the other construction industry unions in the Ictu to plan the most effective campaign possible against the anti-Social Partnership elements who are now running the Construction Industry Federation.

“We will be preparing a plan of campaign to ensure they feel the downside to their irresponsible behaviour.”