Labour Court calls for talks on electrical contractors’ 5% pay claim

The Labour Court recommended that the Electrical Contractors Association, the Association of Electrical Contractors Ireland and the Technical, Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU) hold intensive talks on a national agreement covering pay and other employment terms. The recommendation was signed on 11 January 2016. The TEEU sought a 5% pay increase for 12 months for members in electrical contracting. The employer organisations were willing to discuss a rise as part of talks on a Sectoral Employment Order but opposed the claim as presented, citing competitive pressures. The Court recommended four weeks of discussions, with Workplace Relations Commission assistance if needed. If no pay agreement was reached by 5 February, the parties were to inform the Court, which said it would issue a definitive recommendation on the claim.