Construction workers across Ireland have downed tools in a nationwide strike, demanding the reinstatement of travel time payments that were cut during the 2008 financial crisis. The strike, organized by Unite, a union representing plumbers, fitters, welders, and apprentices, has brought construction projects to a standstill at major sites across the country, including those for Intel, Diageo, Eli Lilly, Analog, and the ESB.
The dispute centers around a cut to the first hour of "travel time" compensation, which was implemented as a temporary measure following the financial crash. Unite argues that this cut has not been reviewed despite over a decade passing and that it is unfair to continue burdening workers with this financial hardship, especially in the face of rising living costs. The union has also highlighted the irony of workers being left behind while profits in the construction sector have soared.
The strike began at midnight on September 6, 2024, with pickets set up at various construction sites. Unite members had overwhelmingly voted for industrial action in August, demanding the restoration of the first hour of travel time. Renewed talks with the Mechanical Engineering & Building Services Contractors’ Association (MEBSCA), the employers' representative body, began on August 26 but failed to reach an agreement.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham has stated that the employers need to take responsibility for the current economic climate and reverse the “shameful” cut to travel time compensation. She emphasized that the union fully supports its members in their fight for fairness. Unite regional officer James McCabe added that unless MEBSCA engages meaningfully in talks and presents a serious offer to address the travel time issue, the industrial action will escalate.
The impact of the strike is being felt across the country, with construction projects facing significant delays. However, Unite maintains that the responsibility for resolving the dispute lies with the employers. The union has made it clear that it is willing to engage in serious talks but only if the employers are prepared to make a genuine effort to address the concerns of their workers.
A Fight for Fairness
The construction workers’ strike is a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges facing workers in Ireland, particularly in the face of rising inflation and cost-of-living pressures. The union’s demand for the restoration of travel time compensation is not only about securing better pay for its members but also about recognizing the unique challenges faced by workers in the construction sector.
A Call for Solidarity
The construction workers' fight is not just theirs. It is a call for solidarity among all workers, especially those who face similar challenges. The strike highlights the importance of trade unions in advocating for the rights and interests of their members. The success of the strike will depend on the level of support it receives from other unions and workers across the country.
The Time is Now
The time for the construction employers to step up and take responsibility for the welfare of their workers is now. A fair resolution to the travel time dispute will not only benefit the construction workers directly but also contribute to a more stable and equitable construction industry in Ireland. The construction workers’ strike is a reminder that workers' rights are not a gift; they are a necessity for a fair and just society.
The construction workers’ strike is a reminder of the importance of fighting for what is right, even when it seems like an uphill battle. The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for the future of the construction industry in Ireland.
