The construction industry will today begin moves to reduce pay in the sector by 20 per cent, writes MARTIN WALL.
The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) is asking the Labour Court to change the registered employment agreement for the sector which governs minimum terms and conditions.
In addition to the wage cut for existing staff, the CIF is looking for a new, lower entry-rate for workers in the sector. It is also seeking new arrangements for the operation of overtime and reforms of travelling allowances.
The CIF move is being opposed by trade unions.
The CIF has argued that pay rates in the sector are significantly out of line with those in Northern Ireland and in Britain. It has contended that reforms are necessary to improve competitiveness.
This is the second occasion in the last two years in which the CIF has sought to reduce pay scales in the building sector.
Previously it sought to introduce a 10 per cent cut to pay. However, the Labour Court rejected the move to change the terms of the registered employment agreement.