Construction workers held a protest outside the Westbury Hotel in Dublin this morning over what they claim is "ongoing exploitation and abuse of workers".
The Building and Allied Trades' Union (Batu) says workers employed by Scottish contractor Dimension Shopfitting, contracted by Westbury management to renovate the interior of the hotel, have suffered underpayment, illegal deductions from their wages and non-payment of their pensions.
Batu spokesman Tom Fitzgerald said those who have spoken out have been advised by Dimension Shopfitting that their contract will be terminated.
"They have been victimised because they have defended trade union rates of pay and conditions," he claimed.
The union says it has raised the issue with the Westbury but that management has so far failed to act and "seems comfortable in the knowledge that the black economy is alive and well in the hotel".
Today around 30 workers held a protest at the main entrance to the hotel off Grafton Street.
A spokeswoman for the Jurys hotel group, which owns the Westbury, declined to comment.
