Site treatment of Polish workers defended by CIF

THE CONSTRUCTION Industry Federation (CIF) has reacted angrily to comments made by a senior Siptu official in the west of Ireland about treatment of eastern European staff in the building trade.

Michael Kilcoyne of Siptu said last week that "No Irish" signs had started to appear on building sites in Poland where staff were sought.

He attributed this to the negative experiences of a number of migrants who came to Ireland for work, some of whom took cases to the Labour Relations Commission for unpaid wages.

Federation director general Tom Parlon accused Mr Kilcoyne yesterday of "irresponsibly using his position" as president of the Consumers Association of Ireland to make "sweeping, inaccurate and hugely damaging statements about the treatment of Polish workers in Ireland".

Mr Parlon said in a statement: "Polish workers were attracted to Ireland in their tens of thousands in recent years to work in construction because of the high rates of pay available and the fact that conditions of employment and safety in Irish construction are far ahead of anything in Poland or indeed in any other European country.

"The fact that Ryanair has opened new, high-frequency services between Poland and Ireland says it all about the attractiveness of Ireland for Polish workers," he added. "Indeed, many Polish workers have remained in Ireland despite the downturn because of the higher pay rates and better conditions available here.

"As highlighted in a number of recent reports, including the National Employment Rights Authority's quarterly survey published in November, compliance with statutory and employment requirements in construction is higher than other sectors of the Irish economy," Mr Parlon said.

However, Mr Kilcoyne said he was not speaking on behalf of the Consumers Association but on behalf of Siptu, which Press reports had made clear.

"The record stands for itself," Mr Kilcoyne said. "I have taken many cases against employers in Galway.

"In 14 of these cases, awards granted to the complainant have not been complied with by employers."