SINCE mechanical workers in Limerick took to the picket lines last Friday, trade union Unite has warned of further disruption unless the Mechanical Engineering and Building Services Contractors’ Association (MEBSCA) and the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) return to the negotiating table.
Limerick mechanical workers, including plumbers, pipefitters, and apprentices, demonstrated last Friday (September 6) outside construction sites for Analog Devices, Eli Lilly, and ESB, joining their colleagues in a series of nationwide demonstrations.
Last Friday’s demonstration was to call for the rectifying of historic cuts in travel pay Unite says have lingered for over a decade.
Unite members petitioned for the restoration of compensation for the first hour of travel expenses (or ‘travel time’), which a Union representative said would be equal to around 12.8 per cent of an average day’s pay.
The ‘travel time’ hour’s pay was taken away from workers following budget cuts as a result of the 2008 financial crash.
The union argues that while profits in the sector have surged, workers have been left behind, struggling with rising living costs.
The demonstrations were referred to by MEBSCA as “disingenuous”, claiming their workers were being targeted by Unite following a recent wage-earnings resolution eight months ago.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said its “members are not backing down and they have their union’s full support”.
“Resolution of this dispute remains in the hands of MEBSCA and the CIF. The ball is firmly in their court.”
Unite regional officer James McCabe said the “call by MEBSCA/CIF for Unite to engage is disingenuous”.
“In recent months we have met with them, and they refused to respect our members and engage meaningfully.”
“Unite remains available for serious talks, but the employers need to make a serious offer if they want to avoid further disruption to major construction projects this coming Friday and beyond.”
