22 July 2009 - TEEU disappointed at electrical contractors decision to reject peace terms and calls on Tanaiste to set up promised investigation into the industry to avert renewed strike The Technical Engineering and Electrical Union General Secretary Owen Wills expressed his disappointment tonight at the AECI decision to announce its rejection of the peace proposals to the media without even notifying the union as agreed. “We see the Labour Court Recommendation and the Labour Relations Commission proposals we accepted and the Electrical Contractors Association accepted as offering a solution to the complicated differences that arose between all the parties in the industry over a very lengthy period of time”, he said. “The TEEU will have to reflect, with others, on the implications that the AECI decision will have for the industry. “We are immediately calling on the Tanaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Mary Coughlan, to initiate an immediate investigation into the industry proposed as part of the process to resolve the dispute. That investigation is now more essential than ever and cannot be delayed any further, especially as the resolution of some of the issues is not in the gift of the parties to the Registered Employment Agreement to resolve. Some of the problems involve external interference in the industry and the undermining of the activities of legitimate and compliant companies and electricians. “Given the current situation which now exists with the rejection of the LRC proposals and Labour Court Recommendation by the AECI, the industry is facing a return to industrial action. However the TEEU will give reasonable space and time to all parties to overcome the current difficulties before making a decision.”