Construction meeting ends at LRC

Ictu's Fergus Whelan: said construction workers accepted a 7.5 per cent wage cut last year. Photograph: Brenda Fitzsimons/The Irish Times

A meeting between representatives of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions has ended following a 'robust' exchange about proposed cuts in pay rates.

The CIF is seeking to alter employment agreements (REAs) - mechanisms which decide pay rates for workers. The unions are opposed to the move and have said they will resist any attempt to further cut wages in the industry.

Speaking after this morning's meeting at the offices of the Labour Relations Commission, Ictu industrial officer Fergus Whelan said union members will now be consulted on the CIF proposals.

Mr Whelanon the premise it would create and sustain jobs in the industry.

"All we received in return was unemployment and reduced dole benefits,” Mr Whelan said.

Earlier, CIF director general Tom Parlon said REAs mean that companies can reduce costs at management and administration levels but not when it came to construction workers themselves.

"This negative response by the construction group of unions within the Ictu does not reflect the reality of the situation. It is in the construction union’s interests that the industry returns to competitiveness once more but the current REA rates are slowing that process down," he said.

“Tender prices have fallen and continue to fall, with the result that builders complying with REAs are just not able to compete.”

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