SIPTU representatives will consult with union members concerning a new Sectoral Employment Order (SEO) for the construction industry which contains increases to minimum wage rates but does not reinstate travel time allowances. SIPTU TEAC Division Organiser, Adrian Kane, said: “The increase to minimum rates of pay for construction workers will benefit our members as they and their families attempt to cope with the cost of living crisis. In total, when combined with the existing SEO our members will receive a rise in minimum pay of 8.2% staggered over a number of increases in 2023 and 2024. “The SEO is an important mechanism for providing a minimum threshold of pay in the sector. However, our members are disappointed that the SEO did not provide for the re-instatement of a travel time allowance.” He added: “With inflation still running at close to 8% on an annual basis until March this year, the SEO contains minimum pay rate increases which are below this for our members over the next two years. Of course, the actual cost of living increases for working people are running even higher than inflation. “In light of this, we will consult with our members in relation to this SEO and what other actions they may support in order to ensure their standard of living is best protected during this period of extensive cost of living increases.” The SEO is expected to be signed into law before the end of April and is scheduled to come into force on 18th September 2023 and be maintained until August 2024.
SIPTU to consult with members concerning new SEO for construction industry
