Crane operators call off strike ahead of talks on pay dispute

Unite says plan to place pickets on sites operated by CIF members suspended for a week

A planned strike by crane operators over pay which could have led to widespread disruption on construction sites from Friday has been deferred.  Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times.
A planned strike by crane operators over pay which could have led to widespread disruption on construction sites from Friday has been deferred. Photograph: Alan Betson/The Irish Times.

A planned strike by crane operators over pay which could have led to widespread disruption on construction sites from Friday has been deferred.

The Unite trade union said it was suspending plans for one week to place pickets on sites operated by members of the Construction Industry Federation.

It said the deferral of the action was to facilitate talks at the Workplace Relations Commission which are expected to take place early next week.

“Industrial action is being suspended for one week. In order to allow space for meaningful and constructive engagement,” the union said.

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Industrial action by crane operators over a pay claim had taken place over the last week involving those employed by agencies or non-Construction Industry Federation companies.

However, the action was scheduled to escalate from Friday to hit companies that were members of the Construction Industry Federation.

Martin Wall

Martin Wall

Martin Wall is the former Washington Correspondent of The Irish Times. He was previously industry correspondent