Strikes could lead to ‘rogue operators’

ELECTRICAL employers have warned ongoing strike action by electricians could lead to an influx of rogue operators into the industry paying a fraction of the agreed rates.

Pickets were yesterday placed by electricians at more than 200 high-profile companies and construction sites, including Dublin Airport expansion and the new Lansdowne Road stadium in Dublin, the Cork University Hospital expansion in Cork, the Moneypoint power plant in Co Clare and the Corrib Gas field in Co Mayo.

They were protesting at the failure by electrical employers to increase the basic rate of pay in the industry to just under €24, as well as plans by those employers to seek further changes in terms and conditions built up through registered employment agreements over the last 20 years.