CIJC - no agreement in Pay negotiations - Talks adjourned     15.6.09

Talks between employers and unions over a new pay agreement for workers employed under the CIJC Working Rule Agreement have concluded without agreement.

Both sides have agreed to resume pay negotiations later this year.

“Alan Ritchie, General Secretary of construction union UCATT, said: “The unions believe that the construction industry is showing early signs of recovery. It is extremely disappointing that the employers have not felt able to recommend a pay increase at this moment. It is anticipated that a respite in the negotiations will allow the employers to better assess the economic situation. The union side anticipate receiving an improved offer later this year.”

“Gerry Lean, Director of Industrial Relations at the Construction Confederation, said: “These negotiation have been going on for some time and, as usual, are being conducted in a spirit of good will by both parties. Unfortunately the disastrous economic conditions our industry is currently experiencing do not allow employers to increase pay rates at this time. Employers believe the decision to resume negotiations in the autumn against economic conditions prevailing at the time to be a sensible move.”

Although pay negotiations are not expected to resume until this autumn, detailed talks on modernising the remainder of the agreement will continue in the meantime.

The CIJC comprises on the union side: UCATT, T&G/Unite and the GMB. The employer’s side comprises: Construction Confederation, Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), National Federation of Builders (NFB), Home Builders Federation (HBF), UK Contractors Group (UKCG), Scottish Building (SB), National Specialist Contractors Council (NSCC), National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC), National Association of Shopfitters (NAS), Painting and Decorating Association (PDA), National Association of Scaffolding Contractors (NASC)

The CIJC Working Rule Agreement covers around 600,000 construction workers.

For further information contact:  Barckley Sumner on 0780 2329235 or Gerry Lean on 07778 809480.

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