SIPTU Divisional Organiser, Greg Ennis, has given a guarded welcome to the proposed pay increases for building workers. A 10% pay increase for building workers is among the proposals contained in a new Sectoral Employment Order (SEO) for the construction industry which was announced by the Minister for Jobs Enterprise and Innovation, Frances Fitzgerald, last night.“We will be seeking the immediate application of this long overdue 10% pay increase for craft and general operative construction workers and, if necessary, in advance of the ministerial order required for the SEO to come into effect,” Greg Ennis said.“SIPTU members, along with our colleagues in the Construction Industry Committee (CIC) of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, will continue to pursue the remaining 5% of the 15% pay claim served in November 2015.“On 13th June last, we also sought a review of all construction rates and grades in light of the changes which have taken place in the industry since the previous review in 2000.”Greg Ennis said that construction workers are now seeking full details of the Labour Court recommendation which proposed the new SEO, including issues related to pensions, sick pay and travel time. The proposed pay increase follows the 25% rise achieved by SIPTU for all crane operators in early June. The issue of representational rights for crane operators involving SIPTU and Unite is expected to be addressed at a meeting of the ICTU meeting tomorrow.
SIPTU gives guarded welcome to pay increase for building workers
