On behalf of the Executive Council of the TEEU, I wish to thank you most sincerely for playing your part in achieving a successful outcome to the recent dispute.
The strike mandate given to the Union by the members in the secret ballot was a single issue: to secure the terms of the 1st April 2008 increase of €1.05 per hour.
Since then the economy changed dramatically and the employers were pursuing a 10% reduction in the 1st April 2007 rate and drastic changes to the terms and conditions of employment in the industry both locally and nationally. So what did we achieve?
In addition to the introduction of the outstanding pay of €1.05 (4.9%) per hour, payable in 2 phases: 2.5% from 1st September 2009, 2.4% from 1st January 2010 the employers signed up to the following:
That any previous proposals by the employer side to reduce pay rates or to diminish any terms or conditions of employment contained in the Registered Employment Agreement are withdrawn.
They commit fully to the Registered Employment Agreement for the industry and accept there will be no alteration except by the agreement of all parties.
The Union has been seeking a review of certain clauses in the Agreement for some considerable time and such a review is to be completed within a four month period. The 1st April 2009 increase is also to be considered in this process.
In May 2008 we were prevented, by persons not parties to the REA, from securing a variation order before the Labour Court that would have provided the €1.05 per hour at that time. Measures are now being put in place to prevent a reoccurrence of this.
The restoration of the terms of all aspects of the REA is a welcome development and an opportunity for members to have all aspects of non-compliance restored. So, if you are not in receipt of the full terms of the REA, now is the time to rectify the situation.
Taking all of the above into account, we have achieved a lot in the week of the strike. This was due in no small measure to the unity, discipline and collective determination of our members in dispute.
There now exists a basis for organising Shop Stewards and industry representatives throughout the industry and throughout the Union. If interested, please contact the undersigned.
Any members interested in becoming actively involved in an Electrical Contracting Consultative Committee either as a branch or site representative, please contact the undersigned.
Once again, congratulations on a very successful dispute. Stay United!
Yours fraternally,
______________________ Eamon Devoy General Secretary Designate, July 13th 2009
