The SIPTU Construction Sector Committee has expressed its support for an agreement between the union and the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) which has secured payment for two hours ‘greasing time’ per day for crane drivers from Monday, 5th June. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Martin Meere, said: “This agreement establishes payment for crane operators for carrying out the essential daily maintenance of their machines which ensures their effective and safe operation. “The agreement sees the restoration of payment for greasing time and an increase from one hour to two hours. In effect this will see crane operators, who are members of SIPTU, receive a 25% increase in their basic pay. This follows many years of stagnation in pay in the construction sector. The agreement has received the unanimous support of the SIPTU Construction Sector Committee which represents workers throughout the building industry.” SIPTU Division Organiser, Greg Ennis, said: “When securing this agreement with the CIF it was made clear that SIPTU would be pursuing claims in relation to pay and conditions of employment for other grades of construction workers once a Sectoral Employment Order (SEO) has been secured for the industry. “Both workers’ representatives and the CIF are committed to the introduction of a SEO for the industry which will contribute towards stability and certainty with regard to industrial relations. Such a situation will benefit workers and employers.” He added: “A Labour Court hearing to discuss the exact parameters of the industry-wide SEO will take place on Monday, 26th June. It is expected that the process to establish a construction industry SEO, involving ministerial approval, will conclude shortly after that date.”
SIPTU concludes agreement with CIF on pay increase for crane operators
