The Union will use all means at its disposal to defend our agreements.
The Roles of Shop Steward is an integral part of Union life – if there is no Shop Steward in place in your workplace currently, elect one now.
Workers United Will Never Be Defeated.
Do not agree in any circumstances to a reduction in pay or conditions, help is at hand. The majority of employers have accepted that the Agreement for the Electrical Contracting Industry remains the National Collective Agreement as it was for 65 years before it was registered in 1990.
The majority of employers have accepted that the Agreements for the Mechanical Contracting Industry (MEBSCA) and the Construction Industry remain the National Collective Agreements. In the case of the MEBSCA agreement there is absolutely no change as this agreement had yet to be registered.
The Pocket Books to Entitlements will give you a brief Summary of some of entitlements due to you under the Mechanical, Construction, Contracting and Plumbing Industries.
In June, 2013 The Managing Directors and Chief Executive Officers in all major manufacturing Companies, Commercial State Bodies and the Public Service were notified that they need to ensure compliance with our National Agreements in these Industries to avoid their site becoming a ‘Battlefield’ with non-compliant contractors. (Warning Letter attached).
The Employers had sought pay cuts to undermine the Agreements. This was fully resisted by this Union.
Connect Trade Union have lodged a 5% Pay Claim in the Mechanical and Electrical Industries and these matters have been referred to the Workplace Relations Commission.
Any attempts by Employers to implement cuts should be notified immediately to the Union.
Recruitment Agencies.
All workers in Construction, Mechanical & Electrical Contracting must organise within the Connect Trade Union to defend against the threats. Only through Collective Action are individual workers protected. Get involved and help the Connect Trade Union secure a sustainable future for you and your family.
We are opposed to employment through Agencies. Employees are entitled to the same rate of pay and other terms and conditions of employment as if you were employed directly by the Contractor. These must be no less than the rates set out in the Agreement.
Note: The Protection of Employees Temporary Agency Work) Act 2012 is a specific piece of legislation that protects agency workers from being treated less favourable than direct employees.
Only SOLAS approved employers can offer apprenticeships. Time spent with an Agency may not
be used to complete parts of your apprenticeship.
Labourers have a clearly identified role within the Industry – they cannot be used to replace Electricians and Apprentices as cheap labour.
Action To Be Taken
If you or someone you know has been offered or accepted employment from a Recruitment Agency and you are not in receipt of the correct rate of pay, pension/sick pay scheme and other entitlements YOU MUST CALL THE UNION IMMEDIATELY.
We will take whatever action is necessary to make the Contractor and the Recruitment Agency comply with the terms of the National Collective Agreement.
Abuse by & Use of Sub-Contractors
Some Contractors secure work and attempt to sub-contract to non-compliant contractors in the mistaken belief that they avoid their obligations under the Agreement. Any case reported has been remedied.
If you are affected by diminishing pay or conditions as a result of working for a “Subbie” or are aware of any other electricians affected please inform the Union immediately.
Call the confidential telephone line on 01-018719903 or email: construction@connectunion.ie
