12 April 2001 Edition
O Caolain urges pay rise for furniture workers
Workers in the furniture industry in the North East and Border region have been balloting since 2 April on industrial action in the wake of their union's rejection of a Labour Court recommendation which fell short of their claim for parity with basic rates in the construction industry.
Some 500 workers, members of the Building and Allied Trades Union (BATU), are seeking significant increases. BATU states that wages in the sector for craft, apprentice and general operatives are £100 below average industrial earnings. Results are awaited with the ballot concluding on 11 April.
Cavan/Monaghan TD Caoimhghín O Caolain has urged employers in the 45 companies involved in the dispute to meet the pay claim of the BATU members.
O Caolain said: ``The furniture industry is thriving in the North East and Border region. It makes an important contribution to the regional economy. Workers in the industry need and deserve proper remuneration. I believe that their current pay rates are inadequate. I would urge the employers to meet the pay claim with a generous offer in order to prevent a protracted industrial dispute in this important sector.''
Some 500 workers, members of the Building and Allied Trades Union (BATU), are seeking significant increases. BATU states that wages in the sector for craft, apprentice and general operatives are £100 below average industrial earnings. Results are awaited with the ballot concluding on 11 April.
Cavan/Monaghan TD Caoimhghín O Caolain has urged employers in the 45 companies involved in the dispute to meet the pay claim of the BATU members.
O Caolain said: ``The furniture industry is thriving in the North East and Border region. It makes an important contribution to the regional economy. Workers in the industry need and deserve proper remuneration. I believe that their current pay rates are inadequate. I would urge the employers to meet the pay claim with a generous offer in order to prevent a protracted industrial dispute in this important sector.''