Construction workers, members of the Unite trade union, are mounting a picket outside the site of the National Children’s Hospital in a dispute with employers over pay and travel allowances. This is the latest in a series of pickets at different construction sites around the country. It comes after Unite members voted overwhelmingly last month for industrial action in pursuit of the restoration of the first hour of ‘travel time’, a payment that was cut as a temporary measure following the 2008 financial crash. This ongoing dispute, however, is not just about travel time. It’s also about the wider economic landscape, the ever-increasing cost of living, and the potential impact of the strike on the much-delayed National Children's Hospital project.

The Heart of the Dispute: Travel Time

The key issue in the dispute is the first hour of ‘travel time’, a payment that was cut as a temporary measure following the 2008 financial crash. Unite argues that this payment should be restored, claiming that their members are losing out financially. They claim that workers are required to travel long distances for their work, and that the loss of this payment is putting a significant strain on their finances. The trade union insists that building companies have recouped any losses they incurred during the financial crisis and then some, but workers have not.

The Mechanical Engineering & Building Services Contractors’ Association (MEBSCA), which represents the employers, says that the first hour of travel time was incorporated into hourly rates of pay in 2011 and that plumbers and fitters employed by MEBSCA members are already being paid for this time. They argue that plumbers and fitters employed by its members are the highest paid workers in the construction industry and that Unite's claim is “unrealistic and unsustainable”. They also claim that industrial action by Unite is causing reputational damage to the sector, which will result in job losses.

A Wider Economic Context

The dispute over travel time takes place against the backdrop of a wider economic context, where the cost of living is soaring. Unite argues that the high cost of living, coupled with the loss of the first hour of travel time, is putting significant pressure on workers’ finances. The union highlights the increase in energy prices, household bills, insurance and car costs, and argues that workers need this payment to be reinstated.

The Impact on the National Children's Hospital

The ongoing strike has also raised concerns about the impact on the National Children’s Hospital project, which is already facing delays and cost overruns. The project is now expected to cost the State €2.2bn and is not expected to be completed until 2026 at the earliest.

The National Paediatric Hospital Development Board has said that any issues or concerns regarding travel time payments should be addressed directly to BAM Building Ltd or Jones Engineering, as this is a matter entirely for those parties. BAM declined to comment on the Unite strike at the children’s hospital, but the impact of the strike on the project is significant.

A Call for Negotiation

While Unite has announced further industrial action for the month of October, the union has also expressed a willingness to negotiate with the employers. They are calling for a resolution to the dispute, but they are adamant that their members will continue to protest until their demands are met. The dispute highlights the need for continued dialogue between employers and unions to address issues affecting workers' rights, pay, and working conditions.

Looking Ahead: A Path to Resolution?

The current situation at the National Children's Hospital project is a microcosm of larger issues facing construction workers and the economy at large. The debate over travel time allowance, the cost of living, and the impact on major projects all reflect the need for continued discussion and compromise between employers and unions. As the dispute continues, both parties will need to work towards a solution that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders, including the workers, the employers, and the public who are awaiting the completion of the much-needed National Children's Hospital.