State close to intervening in dispute

THE Government last night appeared close to intervening decisively in the five-day old electricians’ dispute as the battle took on a further legal twist.

Electricians will this morning continue to mount pickets outside a number of high-profile construction sites and large companies in protest at employers’ failure to pay 11% wage increases recommended under industry-binding Registered Employment Agreements (REAs).

Progress had initially been made yesterday morning after employers told electricians’ unions they were no longer trying to force through a pay cut of almost 10% in the industry or a weakening of terms and conditions guaranteed to staff under the REA.