This SEO, which came into effect yesterday, 01 October, introduces the first phase of pay rises, with a further 2.7% rise scheduled to be introduced in October 2020.
The working week is now legally enshrined in the SEO at 39-hours with overtime premium rates applying after 39-hours. The Construction Workers Pension Scheme (CWPS) contribution will increase in line with pay increases which, for the first-time, brings it in line with pension schemes in other employment sectors.
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SIPTU has called for these new terms to be strictly enforced immediately.
SIPTU Sector Organiser, John Regan, said: "The SEO gives a right for construction workers to be in a pension scheme and receive all other benefits it contains. However, some 30,000 PAYE workers in the construction sector are not in the CWPS or receiving the other benefits of the SEO. The main reason these workers will not benefit from the terms of the SEO is because they are not members of the union. The reason for this is that many workers fear they will be black listed or dismissed for becoming a union member. Many other workers are excluded because they have been forced by scrupulous employers into bogus self-employment."
He added: "We are calling on the Minister Employment Affairs and Social Protection, Regina Doherty, to immediately introduce the legislation she has promised that would impose real penalties for those who seek to force workers into bogus self-employment.
"The Minister must also provide the resources for a robust enforcement structure to ensure that all construction workers will receive the full terms of the SEO."
(CM/MH)
