Minister Pat Breen signed a commencement order on Thursday 19th October 2017 which brings the minimum rate of pay for Craftworkers in the Construction Industry to €18.93c per hour. Non-craft rates will vary from €18.36c to €13.77c.

The new rates are legally enforceable and in addition, Construction workers are now also legally entitled to Pension, Sick Pay and Mortality cover.

The new rates take immediate effect and any members receiving less than the above hourly rates should contact the union.

Meanwhile, BATU and the other Construction Unions are meeting with the employers’ organisation the CIF to pursue the following items:

1. Backdating of the new minimum rate to July 2017.
2. A further 5% increase.
3. A minimum of one hour Travel Time for all Construction Workers in all parts of Ireland.
4. Review of Grading Structures.

BATU General Secretary Brendan O’Sullivan commented “While the new rates are welcome we would stress that they are minimum rates. BATU will continue to negotiate plus rates and piecework rates on behalf of our members to reflect the true value of their contribution to the construction industry”