Austrian firm denies it exploited workers

An Austrian company implicated in the latest allegations of under-payment of foreign workers has denied any direct knowledge of exploitation.

Konhausner, a leading industrial glazing firm, said all its workers were employed in accordance with EU laws. In addition, all sub-contractors used by the firm were required to comply with EU regulations, including minimum wage stipulations.

Siptu has alleged that Hungarian workers employed by a sub-contractor of Konhausner in Ireland are working 69 hours a week for less than a third of the legal minimum rate for the job.

Yesterday, a spokeswoman for Konhausner in Vienna said its sub-contractor, Boros Csabba, would be subject to Konhausner's employment rules. She said the company was investigating Siptu's allegations directly with Boros Csabba in Hungary.

Konhausner was contracted by the Irish company John Sisk & Son, the main contractor on the Spencer Dock site. Yesterday its managing director, Tom Costello, said Sisk would insist that any underpayment be backdated and compensated for by the subcontractor and that all pay and pension obligations be fulfilled.

All Sisk contracts with subcontractors required that appropriate industry rates be paid and pension payments be honoured, he said. Over the past six months, Sisk had audited the activities of all its subcontractors. To date 183 had been checked and issues were identified with 12 which were being dealt with internally.

Separately, two Dublin guesthouse owners alleged to The Irish Times they were owed over €70,000 in unpaid accommodation bills due in respect of Konhausner workers. Konhausner said it was unaware of the allegations but would investigate them.