NRA accused of turning blind eye to migrant exploitation

Builders are demonstrating outside the offices of the National Roads Authority in Dublin today to protest against the treatment of migrant workers in the construction sector.

The action was organised by the Building and Allied Trades Union, which has accused the NRA of awarding contracts to major construction firms without ensuring that basic standards of pay and conditions are met.

BATU claims migrant workers are being routinely exploited on major road projects in breach of legally binding agreements and the NRA is doing nothing to prevent this situation.

Spokesman Denis Farrell said: "We have tried to raise our legitimate concerns, but unfortunately the NRA, rather than deal with them, have been difficult to try and arrange a meeting with.

"That's why we're left with no other option than to try bring our feelings directly to them."