The General Secretary of the Connect Trade Union, Paddy Kavanagh, has given a16-25-07patkavdesk guarded welcome to the Labour Court’s recommendation for a Sectoral Employment Order that could see significant pay increases for construction workers.
He said that, “The Connect Trade Union welcomes the prospect of the potential pay increase that may arise for our members across all construction grades as recommended by the Court, as part of a new Sectoral Employment Order.”
“However, it is too early for members to start celebrating just yet. There are outstanding issues to be addressed relating to remuneration, travel time, pension/sick pay and mortality benefit schemes by the Court. We will be examining the details of the Sectoral Employment Order very carefully to ensure members benefit fully from the resurgence of activity within the construction sector.”
“Nevertheless, the SEO is proof of just what can be achieved by unions working together as the Connect Trade Union and UCATT demonstrated earlier this year. This strategic initiative was a development that has clearly shown construction unions are on the offensive, combining their resources to pursue joint common objectives.”
Mr Kavanagh called on all construction workers to join the appropriate union and demand all their entitlements “from the moment they start work on site. This is the only way to ensure employers fulfil their obligations.”
