CIF Rejects National Pay Deal

The body representing Irish builders has voted down the pay terms detailed in the draft national social partnership agreement, calling for a 10% cut in pay rates in order to secure construction jobs.

The Construction Industry Federation's Director General Tom Parlon announced the decision earlier this afternoon.

He said: "The draft national deal negotiated in September ignores the reality of where the Irish economy and the construction industry are today.

"The bottom line is that the industry cannot afford the deal and is seeking a 10% reduction in order to safeguard jobs in construction."

Mr Parlon suggested a 6% increase was "never realistic" at a time when cost inputs have risen sharply and the housing market is "at a standstill".

In addition to house prices falling by over 30%, the CIF boss said contracting companies are "tendering 8% below costs in an effort to keep some level of work going".

He added: "In order, therefore, to protect the viability of companies and the jobs that are still in the industry the CIF is taking the example of the Government in seeking a 10% reduction in rates."

(PR)