The members of the SIPTU Construction Sector have overwhelmingly voted for industrial action in the event that employers fail to pay a 2.7% increase due on the 1st October, 2020. Earlier this year, the High Court ruled that legislation allowing for the making of Sectoral Employment Orders (SEO’s) was unconstitutional. However, a stay was put on this judgement and all SEO’s currently in place have the force of law. SIPTU Sector Organiser, John Regan said: “Under the existing SEO for Construction, a pay increase of 2.7% is due to be paid on the 1 October 2020. Employers are required to pay this increase and a failure to do so will be a breach of the SEO and of the law as it stands.” The president of the SIPTU Construction Sector, Eddie Gunnery said: “The clear result of the ballot shows that workers in the construction sector are determined that employers will not be allowed to renege on their legal responsibilities. We expect that employers will abide by the law and pay the 2.7% increase. Employers who fail to do so will be pursued and workers will take industrial action if necessary.” SIPTU Transport, Energy, Aviation and Construction Division Organiser, Karan O’Loughlin said: “The result shows a real determination on the part of union members in the sector to defend their hard-won conditions of employment. It is important for employers to understand that construction workers, through their trade union, will enforce their rights under the SEO and will accept nothing less. If this means a period of industrial unrest and dispute then so be it.”
SIPTU Construction members vote for strike action to protect pay rates in the sector
