First signs of resolution in electricians’ pay dispute

THE first signs of a possible resolution in the dispute between electrical contractors and electricians appeared last night as employers looked set to take their demand for a 10% pay cut in the industry off the table.

At time of going to press, unions and the employers of the striking electricians remained locked in negotiations trying to avert a fourth day of pickets around the country today.

Going into the Labour Relations Commission for the third time yesterday morning, both sides remained unconvinced that they could resolve the impasse over union demands for an 11% pay increase and employer demands for a 10% pay cut.

Eamon Devoy, general secretary of the Technical Engineering and Electrical Union, said his members were determined to secure what they were entitled to under electrical industry registered employment agreements: “We have been everywhere with this dispute and the only way to settle this is by force and we will force the employers to settle it if necessary. We are here today to set that aside for the moment and come to a peaceful solution. There is no goodwill in this. The fight is on and it won’t end until we have a resolution.”

On his way in the president of the Association of Electrical Contractors in Ireland Jack Hegarty said employers and unions had to be responsible and professional. “Hopefully for the sake of electricians and contractors, we will resolve something here today.”

His optimism appeared well grounded as, later in the day, following bilateral and face-to-face talks, it emerged employers had said they were committed to the registered employment agreement, a sign they might be about to remove their demand for the 10% pay cut.

However, one employers’ group, the National Electrical Contractors of Ireland protested outside the talks because it is not a signatory to the industry pay deals. It has threatened legal action against any agreement which is reached.

At time of going to press unions had still not lifted pickets from hundreds of building sites and large companies nationwide. Yet another one of those companies, Irish Distillers in Midleton, Co Cork, became the latest to secure an injunction stopping electricians from mounting pickets outside its premises.

Union ballots, which would see thousands more construction workers coming out in support of the TEEU members, will be complete before the end of next week and could see the pickets swell within hours of the outcome.

Meanwhile, SIPTU members employed by Mr Binman will protest in Carrick-on-Suir, Co Tipperary, today over what they say is an attempt by the company to impose a 49% pay cut on the workforce.

The union said Mr Binman, which collects domestic and commercial waste in Waterford, Tipperary, Limerick and Kilkenny, has refused to negotiate with SIPTU or to enter talks at the Labour Relations Commission during the now seven-week official dispute.

The 41 workers with their families and supporters, will assemble at the Mr Binman depot on the Waterford Road in Carrick-on-Suir at 11.30am and march in the town.