New strike warning as Electricians’ pay proposal rejected
Union chiefs warned tonight of another crippling electricans’ strike after a contracting group rejected peace proposals.
The Technical Engineering and Electrical Union called on the Government to investigate the reasons behind the bitter row after the Association of Electrical Contractors voted against a Labour Court recommendation.
Scores of building sites from townhouses to the country’s biggest projects were virtually paralysed for a week earlier this month as angry electricians formed pickets in a dispute over pay.
It ended after the Labour Court recommended a 4.9% pay rise.
Eamon Devoy, TEEU general secretary, said: “The TEEU will have to reflect, with others, on the implications that the AECI decision will have for the industry.
“Given the current situation which now exists with the rejection of the LRC proposals and Labour Court Recommendation by the AECI, the industry is facing a return to industrial action.”
Mr Devoy said the TEEU would give time and space to all parties to review the announcement before making any decision.
The strike caused major disruption across the country, with Taoiseach Brian Cowen warning it was taking its toll on an already fragile economy.
The employers’ groups withdrew demands for a 10% pay cut among workers, while electricians said they were owed an 11% pay rise going back three years.
