Fresh migrant worker abuse claims

FURTHER evidence of the exploitation of migrant workers was uncovered yesterday, just as the social partners made fresh efforts to break the impasse in negotiations on a new deal.

After more than six weeks of talks, partnership negotiations remain effectively stalled over the contentious issue of labour law reform to protect vulnerable employees. However, despite employer resistance to any increased regulatory burden, instances of migrant abuse keep stacking up.

Last week the Government was embarrassed by revelations that Polish workers at the ESB’s Moneypoint power station were underpaid in the latest of a string of scandals.

Now SIPTU has alleged that 25 Hungarian workers employed on the Spencer Dock construction site in Dublin have also been underpaid and exploited.

SISK, the main contractor at the site, has confirmed it is investigating the allegations and pledged to dismiss a Hungarian sub-contractor if the allegations are found to be correct.

According to SISK, it hired an Austrian sub-contractor, Konhausner, to do glazing work on the site which in turn sub-contracted the work to a Hungarian company, Boros Csabba. This company was uncontactable for comment.

SIPTU’s Brendan O’Brien said the 25 workers concerned arrived in Ireland two months ago and have been paid far less than standard rates.