Half a million construction workers, covered by the Construction Industry Joint Council agreement, have not had a pay rise since 2008.
The employers have offered 1.25 per cent from January 2012 – however, this is six months later than the due date for the annual agreement. It is the union's position that any deal should start from this month (June 2011).
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Unite National Officer for Construction, John Allott said: "Unite, along with UCATT and the GMB, have rejected this offer as it is inadequate given the soaring cost of living and the fact that our members have not had a pay rise for three years. We are seeking a further improvement in the offer.
"However, we welcome the employers’ commitment to this national agreement where building workers are employed directly in preference to self-employed and agency workers. This gives greater security of employment to our members."
Earlier this week about 70 shop stewards and reps demonstrated outside the employers' headquarters in London in pursuit of their pay claim.
(CD)
