Picket To Take Place Outside Intel Site In Leixlip Today Over Travel Allowances

Monday, 7 October 2024 10:12

By Hannah Kelly

It follows Unite trade members voting for industrial action over travel time in August

Plumbers, fitters, welders and apprentices are picketing outside Intel in Leixlip today in a dispute over travel allowances.

Unite members started their pickets at 0.01am this morning, and will continue until 11.59pm tonight.

In August, 90% of Unite trade union members voted for industrial action in pursuit of restoration of the first hour or 'travel time', as it was originally cut as a temporary measure following the 2008 financial crash.

It was due to be reviewed after a year, but Unite have said workers are still waiting 16 years later.

Members of the Mechanical Engineering and Building Services Contractors’ Association (MEBSCA) are carrying out works at the Leixlip site.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said MEBSCA employers have “enjoyed a turnover bonanza while workers have seen their living standards fall over the past five years”.

Unite said a recent survey among members working for MEBSCA employers found that over 80% have seen their living standards fall over the past five years.

“MEBSCA bears direct responsibility for this dispute’s escalation,” said Graham.

“They can end it by coming to the table and negotiate a resolution to this dispute.”

Unite said it made an approach to MEBSCA last week and that “in the absence of meaningful engagement, Unite’s disputes committee has decided to escalate the action”.

A spokesperson for Unite said “pickets will be placed on selected large construction sites around the country on further dates in October”.

Last month, MEBSCA called for an end to pickets, saying the strikes are "causing reputational damage to the sector, which will result in job losses”.