Group seeks 20% paycut for construction workers

THE Construction Industry Federation (CIF) is to seek a further 20% cut in the legally binding pay rates for up to 50,000 site-based workers in the industry.

The rate, set by a registered employment agreement (REA) for the industry, was cut by 7.5% in February last year, and at that point it was agreed that it would be reviewed every year.

While the federation has not publicly stated a figure, it is understood it will be looking for a cut of 20% to reflect what it sees as the continued loss of momentum in the sector and unprecedented unemployment. It believes the total employed in construction-related areas could fall from 100,000 at present to 75,000.