Plumbers and welders among construction site workers in travel allowances strike

Mechanical workers across Ireland have downed tools in an industrial dispute over travel allowances.

Unite, a union representing plumbers, fitters, welders and apprentices on construction projects throughout Ireland, said the full-day stoppage comes after talks broke down with the Mechanical Engineering & Building Services Contractors’ Association (MEBSCA).

Pickets have been taking place in Cork as well as in Dublin, Limerick and Kildare. 

The dispute is over a cut to the first hour of “travel time” which was initially done as a temporary measure following the 2008 financial crash. But Unite said it has not been reviewed more than a decade later.

The union says the restoration of the first hour of travel time would mean a significant increase in pay for mechanical construction workers at a time of ongoing cost-of-living pressures The strike started at midnight and involves pickets at a number of large construction sites where members of the MEBSCA are carrying out works.

Construction projects for major firms, including Intel, Diageo, Eli Lilly, Analog and the ESB are being impacted.

Last month Unite mechanical members voted overwhelmingly for industrial action in pursuit of restoration of the first hour of travel time.

Renewed talks started on August 26 but broke down without agreement.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “While MEBSCA employers have seen their turnover skyrocket, workers are continuing to pay the price for a crisis that was not of their making.

“Unite members know that they have their union’s unstinting support as they fight to have this shameful cut reversed.” Unite regional officer James McCabe added: “Unless MEBSCA returns to the table and engages meaningfully with Unite regarding restoration of the first hour of travel time, industrial action will escalate.

“Resolution of this dispute is in the employers’ hands.”