MEBSCA employers make approach following determined action by Unite members

Unite members working as plumbers, fitters, welders and apprentices for employers who are members of the Mechanical Engineering & Building Services Contractors’ Association (MEBSCA) will mount a picket outside the National Children’s Hospital in Dublin tomorrow (Friday 27 September).

Despite contact by MEBSCA this week, Unite’s disputes committee has decided that, while it welcomes the employers’ approach, there will be a further full-day stoppage tomorrow from 0.01 am to 11.59 pm.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: “It is thanks to the determined action of Unite members over the past three weeks that MEBSCA has made contact. But the employers need to remember that making contact is a long way from resolving this dispute.

“This is a highly profitable sector, and our members will continue to have Unite’s unstinting support as they fight to have the first hour of ‘travel time’ restored”.

Last month Unite mechanical members voted overwhelmingly for industrial action in pursuit of restoration of the first hour of ‘travel time,’ which was cut in the wake of the 2008 financial crash.

Unite served notice of industrial action on MEBSCA employers after talks broke down, and three full-day of stoppages have been held at major construction projects around the country where MEBSCA employers are carrying out works.

Regional officer James McCabe said: “Unite is always prepared to talk where there is a basis for meaningful engagement and we welcome MEBSCA’s approach this week.

Our focus is on ensuring that workers win back the travel time payment cut over a decade ago. The employers can well afford to meet our members’ demands”.