Tower crane operators in the Republic of Ireland are seeking a 140% pay increase to boost their basic hourly rate of I£6.25 ($8.94). This rate is part of a national agreement with the Construction Industry Federation for construction workers, agreed last July and due to run until the end of this year.
The Services Industrial Professional Technical Union (SIPTU), which represents the operators, says that claims are proceeding on an individual company basis. So far, increases of between 42% and 50% have been agreed, with immediate effect.
The crane operators also want a three year programme of crane operator training to improve safety, the union says.
