Six hundred furniture workers are to strike tomorrow in pursuit of a 65 per cent pay claim even though the Labour Court has ruled it to be in breach of the Programme for Prosperity and Fairness. The claim has been made by the Building and Allied Trades Union (BATU).
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF), which represents 45 companies involved, says small family firms could go out of business if the strike goes ahead. CIF executive Mr Eddie Keenan said yesterday: "Strike action will cause serious damage to the future of furniture manufacturing in Ireland."
The furniture industry is concentrated in Cos Meath, Monaghan and Cavan, which have been largely bypassed in recent years by inward investment.
Mr Keenan said labour costs had increased by 20 per cent in 2000 and would increase by another 13 per cent this year. Manufacturers supplied only 30 per cent of the home market. "Over 70 per cent of furniture bought in Ireland is imported from low cost far eastern countries."
The basic rates in the sector run from £227 to £379 a week. BATU general secretary Mr Paddy O'Shaughnessy estimates members in furniture factories earn £90 a week less than carpenters in construction.
He was unapologetic about the 65 per cent claim and said tomorrow's strike would go ahead if there was no movement from employers. Far from being unable to afford an increase, he estimated Irish employers enjoyed a 15 per cent to 20 per cent advantage over competitors in Britain, where most Irish furniture is sold.
He said the claim was open to negotiation but neither the CIF nor the factory owners had made any offer.