Construction workers in pay win

Construction workers operating under the Construction Industry Joint Council (CIJC) agreement will receive a substantial increase in pay rates next month following negotiations led by Unite.

The workers will immediately receive a six per cent increase and then a further 1.5 per cent increase from 1 January 2024, a compound increase of 7.59 per cent. Additionally, the general operative (labourer) rate, which is the lowest pay rate, will increase by eight per cent, with the entire increase being introduced immediately.

The CIJC is the largest of the construction agreements and predominantly covers civil engineering. Around 500,000 workers’ employment are influenced by the agreement.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “This is an important deal that not only increases workers’ wages but also establishes a pathway for improved conditions for a huge number of construction workers.

“Unite is totally committed to enhancing the jobs, pay and conditions of its members and both the pay increase workers will receive coupled with planned improvements in conditions, demonstrates the value of being a member of Unite.”

In addition, the taxed travel allowance will increase by six per cent from next month and then a further 1.5 per cent from 1 January 2024. The untaxed fare allowance will increase by 10.1 per cent. The subsistence allowance will increase to £49.08 a night.

Industry sick pay (which is paid on top of statutory sick pay) will increase to £154.02 a week from next week and then to £156.33 from January.

Unite national officer Jerry Swain added, “Following lengthy negotiations Unite was able to secure a significant increase in construction pay rates.

“The union will now be building on these negotiations to ensure that the CIJC agreement is fit or purpose and meets the needs and aspirations of construction workers.”

The employers’ side for the first time have made a genuine commitment to modernise the agreement and are committed to meaningful review with Unite to improve the existing rules on holiday entitlement, sickness provision and pensions.

By Barckley Sumner