Members of the striking Technical, Engineering and Electrical Union (TEEU) have formed pickets outside two Galway businesses as part of their nationwide protest into pay rates for electricians. The Galway Clinic and Tynagh Mines are the two sites affected, while electricians based in the University Hospital Galway failed to show for work.

The TEEU were unavailable to comment on the strike but, on an official statement on their website, they said the strike action against employers in the electrical contracting industry is to safeguard registered employment agreements and needs the full support of TEEU members.

"Success will ensure that registered employment agreements will continue to serve the industry to benefit our members but success will also make employers think twice before launching an attack on other agreements that serve our members through-out the State," they said.

One non-unionised electrician, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Galway Independent that he had little sympathy for his striking colleagues.

"The union sent out a ballot paper to all electricians in the country, but very few people returned the form. The TEEU said that 93 per cent of people voted in favour of the strike but chances are only ten per cent returned their ballot form.

"I don't have a problem with people standing up for their rights, but if I can make an honest wage and pay my bills then that is enough for me."

Voicing his distress at the situation, Director General of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) Tom Parlon said the employers are ready to meet at any stage to find a resolution to this strike action.

"The strike action has been extremely damaging for our industry, for the workers within the industry, many of whom who have been put on protective notice by their employers, damaging to our economy and damaging to business confidence. Common sense needs to prevail," he added.

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