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Electrical Contractors

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The Irish Supreme Court on 9th May 2013 declared that "the provisions of Part III of the Industrial Relations Act 1946 are invalid having regard to the provisions of Article 15.2.1 of the Constitution of Ireland". The judgment has the effect of striking down Registered Employment Agreements put in place under the 1946 Industrial Relations Act.

It should be noted, however, that existing contractual rights of workers in sectors covered by Registered Employment Agreement are unaffected by this ruling. Contractual rights can be altered only by agreement between the parties involved.

Parties to Agreement

This REA has been agreed, on behalf of their members, by the Electrical Contractors Association, the Association of Electrical Contractors (Ireland) (AECI) and the Technical Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU), who together constitute the National Joint Industrial Council (NJIC) for the Electrical Contracting Industry.

Application

It applies to all electricians and electrical contractors engaged in the general electrical contracting industry. It does not apply to employees in state and semi-state companies who are engaged in similar activities and are covered by other agreements. Nor does it apply to electricians and apprentices employed directly by manufacturing companies for the maintenance of those companies’ plants. See REA for detailed definitions of all categories covered.

Remuneration

Minimum Pay
Rates of minimum pay vary depending on job class (e.g. foreman), length of service in the industry and whether an employee is qualified or in their apprenticeship.  Full details relating to statutory minimum rates of pay are set out in the REA.

Overtime Rates

The REA establishes a system of overtime entitlements. The basic rule is that employees are entitled to time-and-a-half for any time worked from the normal finishing time, Monday to Friday, until 12.00 midnight and double time from 12.00 midnight to normal starting time.The rules for overtime differ during weekends.  Midnight Friday to normal starting time Saturday - double time.  Normal starting time to 12.30 p.m. Saturday - time plus a half.  12.30 p.m. Saturday to normal starting time Monday - double time.The REA sets down specific rules for other overtime entitlements in planned overtime, after hour calls and shift work.

Conditions of Employment

Working hours

The standard working week is 39 hours per week over five days, Monday to Friday. The working hours are between 8.30 a.m. and 5.00 p.m., Monday to Thursday inclusive and 8.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m. on Friday. These hours, including the lunch period, are subject to variation by arrangement with the Union. Employees may be required to agree to an early start but this is not to be more than one hour before normal starting time.

Rest Periods

All employees are entitled to breaks and rest periods in accordance with the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997.  The REA specifies that employees are entitled to a lunch period of one half hour.  Where an electrician works overtime after 12.00 midnight, he/she shall be entitled to an 8 hour rest period without loss of pay.  Where more than 2 hours overtime is worked, a 10-15 minute paid break shall be given.

Holidays

Annual leave is in accordance with the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997. Employees are entitled to double time in addition to their statutory entitlement when they work on a public holiday. Employees are also entitled to a day off on Good Friday. Employees must take two weeks’ annual leave in summer, four days at Christmas and Good Friday. The remaining six days’ holiday entitlement will be fixed by the NJIC. All annual leave dates, with the exception of the mandatory two week period in summer, may be altered by local agreement.

Sick Pay Scheme

All employees over 20 years of age and with at least one month’s service with a firm are entitled to benefit under a Sick Pay Scheme. The REA states that this scheme is to be equal in benefits to that provided under the Construction Industry REA

Miscellaneous

The REA deals with other issues, in relation to country work, starting on site, trade union membership, bereavement leave, tools requirements and protective clothing as well as payment methods, a pension scheme and unofficial strikes. There is also a provision for a premium for time worked whilst 40 feet from the ground. See REA for more details.