The approval of two Labour Court recommendations has paved the way for a 2.7% rise in the minimum pay rates of workers in the construction and electrical contracting sectors.

The Minister of Trade, Employment, Business, EU Digital Single Market and Data Protection Pat Breen TD gave the go ahead, having been satisfied that in its consideration, the Court complied fully with the provisions of the Industrial Relations (Amendment) Act 2015.

The new basic hourly rates will apply from 01 October this year to 30 September 2020.

Craftspersons - such as bricklayers, stone layers and carpenters - will get €19.44 per hour, while certain scaffolders, banks operatives, steel fixers and crane drivers will be paid €18.86 per hour.

-- Advertisement --

Skilled general operatives who have worked in the sector for more than two years will see their pay increase to €17.50 an hour - and new entrant operative workers will be on €14.14 per hour.

Minister Green commented: "The Sectoral Employment process is welcome in that it provides an independent assessment of pay rates that takes into account the views of all interested parties.

"These measures are an important step in securing stability and growth in crucial sectors in our economy. These Orders will protect the working conditions of workers in the construction and electrical contracting sector; will underpin continued good relations between workers and employers in the sectors; and will help maintain the attractiveness of these sectors as career options."

In the electrical sector, newly qualified electricians will receive €23.49 per hour, while workers in their third year of employment post-qualification will be paid €23.96. Those commencing their sixth year of employment will progress to €24.34.

The recommendations also provide for extra payments for working unsociable hours and sets terms for pensions and sick pay schemes.

(JG/CM)