Unite hails deal for thousands of construction workers
12th February 2010
Up to 30,000 UK construction workers are set to benefit from new
arrangements that will bring together mechanical and electrical
contracting workers under a single negotiating structure.
Unite, Britain's biggest construction union, has hailed
the new arrangements, describing them as a significant step towards
strengthening union representation within a hugely important
industrial sector.
The Joint Industry Board for the electrical contracting industry
confirmed yesterday that the Board will adopt optional arrangements
to cover mechanical disciplines within the JIB agreement. A working
party comprising of unions and employers has been established to
develop the details of the agreement.
Unite's assistant general secretary, Les Bayliss, said: "Unite
negotiates the best rates of pay, conditions and national
agreements for construction in the UK. Mechanical contractors will
be able to benefit from joining the robust JIB agreement and these
arrangements will strengthen union representation in the sector
even further."
The JIB agreement covers every major construction site in the
UK.
Unite's network of shop stewards, safety representatives,
officers and members are all campaigning to build a better future
for the UK construction industry, including: guaranteed standards
of employment, a safe working environment, wages and conditions,
national collective agreements, direct employment, holiday pay,
protection and recognition of skills and pensions.
ENDS
