Talks to avert electricians' strike
Friday, 3 July 2009 18:26
Talks are to take place at the Labour Relations Commission over the weekend in a bid to avert a threatened strike by over 10,000 electricians set for Monday.
The electricians are seeking pay increases totalling 11.3%, which they say are long overdue.
However, electrical contractors say the claim is ridiculous in the current economic climate and have sought a 10% pay cut from their electrician employees.
It is not yet known what time the talks will take place but a union source in the TEEU said that unless there is a serious breakthrough at the talks the strike will still go ahead on Monday.
Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland earlier today, TEEU General Secretary Eamonn Devoy said: 'As things stand, the dispute looks inevitable.'
Pickets are due to be put in place by electricians at more than 200 construction sites and at a number of manufacturing companies around the country.
Mr Devoy said his members were looking for money due to them since 2006/2007.
The Electrical Contractors Association said it is not seeking, nor has it ever sought, a situation where electricians are paid the minimum wage of €8.65 per hour.
It said it fully supported the continuation of the Registered Employment Agreement to provide fair terms and conditions of employment to all electricians.
Talks between the Technical Engineering and Electrical Union and industry representatives at the Labour Relations Commission failed to find a resolution yesterday.
Earlier this week, the TEEU said a huge number of sites and firms will be affected if its members go on strike.
Major projects such as the Lansdowne Road stadium, the Terminal Two development at Dublin Airport, Guinness and Pfizer will be afected if the action goes ahead.
