Tánaiste Mary Coughlan has today announced the inquiry into the electrical contractors' industrial dispute.
A statement from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment said Peter Cassells and Finbarr Flood have been appointed to undertake an investigation, and to report to the Minister "as a matter of urgency", into the issues surrounding the recent dispute between the Technical Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU) and electrical contractors.
The statement said that, as the issue of pay had already been dealt with by the Labour Court, the terms of reference for the inquiry includes the adequacy of negotiating and collective bargaining arrangements and the need, if any, for change in agreements and how they can be implemented
The systems of promoting adherence to employment standards within the sector will also be examined.
Commenting on the move, Ms Coughlan said: “Both Mr Cassells and Mr Flood have long and distinguished track records in the industrial relations area. Minister [for Labour Affairs Dara] Calleary and I now call on all stakeholders in the electrical contracting sector to co-operate fully with their work in this investigation."
The TEEU said it welcomed the Tánaiste's statement, but TEEU Assistant General Secretary Arthur Hall, said he was “puzzled" by the reference to the issue of pay within the industry having already been dealt with.
“As the Tánaiste must be aware one of the employer groups, the AECI [Association of Electrical Contractors of Ireland], has rejected the pay terms brokered by the Labour Relations Commission and the Labour Court to secure the suspension of our national strike last month," he said.
"Pay remains an issue at the kernel of the dispute and without adherence to the terms of the settlement the possibility of renewed industrial action remains very much alive.
“While the TEEU and the main contractors association, the ECA, remain committed to the Registered Employment Agreement it is far from clear how the opposition of a number of smaller contractors to issues ranging from decent pay and conditions, to occupational pensions, and health and safety standards will be dealt with," Mr Hall said.
“Our hope is that the investigation’s findings will underpin the value and indeed the necessity for the Registered Employment Agreement system to be not alone preserved but strengthened.”
The Electrical Contractors' Association (ECA) also welcomed the announcement.
Jean Winters of the ECA said: “The ECA share the views of both Ministers in their desire to identify a way to restore the orderly conduct of relationships between all parties into the future. The ECA is anxious that the investigation be concluded at the earliest possible date.”
The Tánaiste last month announced an inquiry would take place after members of the AECI, which represents up to 300 small and medium contractors, rejected the 4.9 per cent increase that was proposed by the Labour Court after it intervened in the dispute.
The non-binding recommendation issued by the Labour Court included a 4.9 per cent pay increase for electricians in two phases, comprising a 2.5 per cent increase on September 1st and 2.4 per cent from January 1st.
Thousands of electricians went on strike for a week last month, closing hundreds of sites close, including the new Lansdowne Road stadium and the new terminal development at Dublin airport and the multi-storey private hospital building at St Vincent’s in Dublin.
