Support the builders

national | miscellaneous | news report Monday January 27, 2003 18:29 by Phuq Hedd

Hunger strike announced in bitter strike

Approximately 1000 builders are on strike in Limerick. We should remember that BAFTA and other unions representing builders have been attempting to secure decent wages and conditions for people that labour in probably the most dangerous industry in the world. They have been blocked and opposed by employers who would rather hire uninsured, underpaid and desperate immigrants.

The approximately 1000 builders have announced a hunger strike by at least 4 of their members in an attempt to secure justice and a fair hearing for their position.

Their "wildcat" strike has been condemned by the Business Federation: the same body that has consistently opposed raising the safety standard in this industry.

With reports of the exploitation of un-unionised immigrants (including the non-payment of their wages) and the refusal of employers to pay a wage commensurate with the hard work these people do, this strike looks like the last option. So far good support for the builders has only been offered by a few of the political parties: Republican Sinn Fein and the Workers Party notably.

So, where's the Labour Party on this one? What about the Socialist Party and the Green Party? Meanwhile, phone or write your TD to insist that he support the builders.