Talks aimed at resolving electricians’ dispute continue

The two sides in the electricians' dispute remained locked in face-to-face talks at the Labour Relations Commission this afternoon, with a resolution still apparently a long way off.

The nationwide strike continued today for a third day. Employers have claimed the action by more than 10,000 electricians is costing around €30 million a day in lost wages.

General Secretary Designate of the TEEU Eamon Devoy was standing firm this afternoon, saying his union’s pickets would remain in place until members are granted an 11% pay increase.

“This is the third time in a week we've been at the Labour Relations Commission,” Mr Devoy said.

“The employers have not yet made an offer in an attempt to resolve this dispute, and until they do we have nothing to discuss.”

Employers claim they can't afford the increase, and have called instead for a 10% pay cut.

Meanwhile, Irish Distillers have been granted an injunction by the High Court this afternoon to stop pickets outside its Midleton based distillery by members of the TEEU.

Lawyers for Irish Distillers Ltd. said five union members had placed a picket on the entrance to the Co. Cork factory carrying placards marked with the words "TEEU Official Dispute".

The court heard that the picketers informed the company that it was not in dispute with Irish Distillers, but with Shanley Electrical which provides services to it from time to time.

But Irish Distillers argued that Shanley Electrical was not providing any services to the company at that time.

Ms Justice Mary Laffoy granted an injunction to stop the picket, and the case was scheduled to return to the court on Friday.

Earlier, the High Court extended an injunction preventing electricians picketing at the Guinness Brewery in Dublin until Monday.