Construction Jobs Salary Rises Shouldn?t Stop During Times of Austerity

Even in economically challenging times it is important that construction jobs salary increases are properly negotiated to protect the interest of workers and indeed the industry as a whole. We have seen in 2010 several disputes between unions and businesses that have lead to strike action.

Perhaps the most publicised in the UK this year was the battle between British Airways bosses and their cabin crews. A two year pay deal agreed at the end of October for workers employed under the Joint Industry Board for Plumbing and Mechanical Engineering Services, was welcome news for the construction industry.

The agreement negotiated by the Unite union covers 10,000 workers directly but should act as a benchmark for another 10,000 workers not part of the Joint Industry Board. It is never easy to strike a balance that will suitably reward workers but not overly burden employers, especially the small to medium sized businesses in the construction industry.

Construction jobs salary reviews in the current climate are even more delicate, so it seems the deal negotiated here will satisfy most if not all parties. In fact John Allott from Unites said: ?This agreement is in the best interests of both workers and employers.?

He continued: ?It secures two years of pay increases but allows employers to control their costs during a time of massive spending cuts.? The union will use this construction jobs salary deal as the blueprint for future negotiations in order to reward construction workers, whilst hopefully enabling employers to retain and recruit staff