A general return to work by scaffolders who have been on unofficial strike for the past six weeks is expected this morning. However, there is a strong possibility that a number of sites in Dublin may face renewed picketing as a result of outstanding local issues.
A peace formula was agreed between the Construction Industry Federation and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions on Saturday. This allows for a 65p an hour increase in scaffolders' rates and a "root and branch" review of pay rates.
Although it is not formally part of the agreement, the strikers will receive lump sums of around £300, which is roughly equivalent to retrospection of the increase to March 1st. Many individual scaffolding firms have also agreed informally to pay attendance bon uses worth another £1.35 per hour.
The danger of renewed localised disputes exists in the case of companies which have not agreed to pay the bonuses. Pickets could be mounted on some of these sites as early as this morning.
The peace formula was welcomed by SIPTU construction branch secretary Mr Eric Fleming. Yesterday he said he was anxious "to get down to negotiations with the CIF as soon as possible".
Apart from the occupational pension scheme, partnership was absent from the construction industry, he said. "There will be an explosion of industrial unrest if there is not a more realistic approach by employers to letting workers share in the prosperity of the industry."
A spokesman for the CIF also welcomed the settlement. He agreed with Mr Fleming that the non-pay elements were vital. He said the agreement included a review of relations, not just between employers and trade unions, but between both these groups and the building workers them selves.