Talks on electricians’ dispute to enter third day

Talks to resolve the four-day-old electricians' strike are set to resume at the Labour Relations Commission later today after adjourning in the early hours of the morning.

The TEEU and electrical contractor representatives have now held two days of discussions without finding a resolution.

Progress is believed to have been made, with employers' dropping their demand for a 10% pay cut and apparently offering to pay part of an overdue 11% pay rise.

However, the situation is being complicated by a breakaway group of contractors that is not party to the talks.

The National Electrical Contractors of Ireland is threatening to legally challenge any pay deal that may emerge from the LRC talks.

Today's discussions are expected to focus on the possibility of referring the dispute to the Labour Court to determine a fair pay rate for electricians.

The TEEU says any such move must be made on the basis that there will be no deterioration of pay and conditions.

Meanwhile, more than 10,000 electricians are due to strike for a fifth day today as part of their campaign to secure their overdue pay increase.