Construction sector looks to cut pay by 20%

The Construction Industry Federation has formally submitted a claim to the Labour Court seeking a 20% reduction in the wage rates paid to workers in the industry.

The sides met at the court yesterday to discuss the employer body’s demand to change the industry’s registered employment agreement (REA) which sets pay and conditions. That demand also, among other things, includes:

* The introduction of a new entry grade (Grade E) at the statutory minimum wage with an increase of 5% per annum for 4 years before moving to Grade D and the current wage scale.