THE UNION REPRESENTING about 40,000 electrical and engineering workers has said it will consider industrial action to secure a 5% increase in pay for its members

The Technical Engineering and Electrical Union’s (TEEU) general secretary Eamon Devoy told members at their annual conference in Kilkenny that the union would seek the reversal of changes made to pay working conditions over the past seven years.

Speaking to TheJournal.ie, Devoy said that the union will mount a campaign to secure the increase and that they are willing to “take whatever action is necessary, whether this is through lobbying or industrial action”.

Devoy said that the union wants the restoration of pension and working conditions that were surrendered during the economic downturn.

He added that, as part of any action, the union would support construction companies that are “in difficulty” but that it is clear that some companies are performing well.

“It is reasonable that if companies are in profit then it should be shared with the workers,” said Devoy.

The TEEU has had numerous disputes with employers group Electrical Contractors Association (ECA)  over the past six years with a strike by workers in 2009 leading to the closure of building sites throughout the county.

Further disputes this year also led to threatened strike action.

Devoy also made reference to the water charge protest saying that the TEEU is supporting the abolition of charges, stating that the Government’s changes to the the regime are not enough.

Read: National strike of electricians could halt construction and manufacturing >

Read: TEEU advises members to vote ‘No’ on fiscal treaty >