Electricians strike likely as talks over pay increase break down

A STRIKE by 10,500 electricians next Monday looks set to go ahead after the Labour Relations Commission failed to find a resolution to the dispute between electrical employers and their staff.

If it goes ahead, the strike could significantly affect the energy, manufacturing, construction, aviation and other sectors of the economy.

The Technical Engineering and Electrical Union has organised the action in protest at what it says is the failure by employers to increase their hourly rate from €21.49 to €23.98.

They say the increase is in keeping with registered employment agreements and would be the first paid to their members since April 1, 2007.

However, the Electrical Contractors Association – which represents 50 of the largest electrical contracting companies in the country employing 5,000 electricians – claims the 11.3% increase being sought by the unions is inappropriate, given the downturn in the construction industry and resultant lack of work in the electrical sector.

“In many cases, management and office staff within electrical contracting companies have taken 10%-15% pay cuts. These companies simply cannot award an 11.3% pay increase to their electricians,” a spokesman for the contractors’ association said.

The association also warned that if the action goes ahead it could put the electricians’ jobs in jeopardy.

“If the strike action is not averted, companies may have no option but to place their workers on protective notice and there is a real fear that job losses could ensue,” it said.

However, Eamon Devoy of the TEEU said it was employers who were being unreasonable.

“It is completely unacceptable for employers to not alone withhold previously agreed pay rises from our members that were supposed to come into force in April 2008, but to seek a 10% pay cut. Our members’ earnings are based on rates in comparative companies dating back to early 2006.

“Employers not only want to cut rates by 10% but want to drive down other established working conditions as well, including cuts in pay for apprentices and the use of unqualified employees to carry out work.

“These measures would lead to serious de-skilling of the workforce, with long-term implications for the economy and for consumers in terms of technical and safety standards.

“We have met the employers on four occasions and they have refused to engage with us on the terms recommended by the Labour Court. They have now failed to address our concerns in talks with the LRC. They either do not realise what the impact of this dispute will be, or do not care.

“However, if it goes ahead it will affect economic activity across the State on a level not seen for many years.”