Plumbers’ pay deal nears completion

IN spite of the controversy in a number of industry sectors over the binding agreements which set pay and conditions, negotiations are almost complete on the introduction of a new agreement for 4,000 plumbers, fitters and welders.

In the electrical industry, employers are threatening to withdraw from the binding Registered Employment Agreement (REA) which sets the terms for more than 10,000 electricians. There is a deep sense of unease among construction unions over a Labour Court recommendation for a 7.5% cut in the rates in its REA.

Nonetheless, according to Industrial Relations News, (IRN) the employers and unions of the workers in the plumbing fitting and welding sectors are well advanced in their negotiations on binding terms.

With the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission, they have reached a formula which would see members subject to minimum pay rates which are very close to the controversial pay rates which exist in the electrical industry.

It is understood the agreement would mean a saving of up to 17% for employers. Only 7% of that comes from a reduction in rates with the rest generated in changes to travel rates.

One of the main employers’ bodies, the Mechanical Engineering Business Services Association has accepted the terms, as has one of the main unions, the Technical Engineering and Electrical Union. Others have yet to make their decision.

According to information secured by IRN, if the agreement is approved by all, it would apply to new projects, including new projects on existing sites, backdated from October 1, 2010, and to all other existing projects from January 1, 2011. The agreement would be reviewed at the end of 2011.