Electricians’ dispute - Strike must be avoided

THE whole country will breathe a sigh of relief today when pickets are lifted by electricians from key construction sites. Though the weekend agreement may not bring final closure, it will at least mean a temporary end to a strike which has cost the economy an estimated €230 million.

With Ireland literally on its knees, the nation can ill afford to go down the road of crippling industrial strife. Both unions and employers are to be commended for going to the Labour Court in good faith looking for a solution to their seemingly intractable row.

Unfortunately, suspending strike action may not end the dispute. Even if the 10,000-strong electricians’ union and main employers give it their blessing later this week, the deal could yet be derailed by a break-away group of relatively small employers not represented at the Labour Court hearing. Ominously, a negative response to the recommended 4.9% pay rise was signalled yesterday by the new employer group which claims inability to pay. The next few days will be vital to avert a return to the picket lines. Unless common sense prevails it could be disastrous.