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LATEST NEWS FROM N.E.C.I.   ALWAYS FIRST WITH INDUSTRY NEWS

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BESS CURRENT SITUATION (Building Emergency Safety Systems)         20th  DEC 2011 

In early 2009 the NSAI (National Standards Authority of Ireland) made approaches to various bodies involved in the installation and Maintaince of Emergency lighting to the Irish Standard 3217 (I.S. 3217). NSAI stated that they had been approached by the Chief Fire Officers Association who were concerned that some of the parties who were certifying that Emergency Lighting systems were in compliance with the IS 3217 standard, were not actually properly checking the installations. In Fact there was concern that the people certifying some installations were themselves not familiar with the actual standard.

It was suggested that a BESS (Building Emergency Safety Systems) Steering Group be formed to look into the development of a system of certifying compliance with I.S. 3217 which the various County Fire Officers could have confidence in. It was proposed that BESS registers be set up and maintained by both RECI & ECSSA. Only persons on these BESS registers would be entitled to purchase BESS Certificates and the Fire Officers would only accept these BESS Certificates.   NECI understand that it was envisaged that both RECI and ECSSA would provide any training necessary to ensure their members were competent to certify installation up to the I.S 3217 standard.

 The Following were invited by NSAI to be represented on the Steering Group and sent representatives.

1          RECI                          (Register of Electrical Contractors Ireland)

2          ECSSA                       (Electrical Contractors Safety & Standards Association)

3          Engineers Ireland

4          Chief Fire Officers Association

5          Consulting Engineers Representatives

6          ETCI                          (Electro Techicinal Council of Ireland)

7          AECI                          (Association of Electrical Contractors of Ireland)

8          NSAI                          (National Standards Authority of Ireland)

NECI understand that the ECA (Electrical Contractors Association) were invited to be part of the steering group but despite this ECA, were not represented at any of the meetings. NECI were not invited to partake in the steering group. A mission statement for the proposed BESS scheme was prepared by NSAI, this mission statement can be downloaded from the NECI website HERE .

It was decided that the level of training needed to be competent to determine that a system was in compliance with I.S. 3217 was to be FETEC level 6. There is currently confusion regarding who made this decision which now seems to be at the root of the current problems. At the October meeting of the BESS Steering Group concern was expressed mainly by ECSSA that the Level of training (Level 6 FETEC) was too high. Concern was also expressed that the cost of the training was too much in the current economic climate. In an email seen by NECI,  ECSSA clearly outlined these concerns to Justin Tallon of NSAI. These concerns seem to have fallen on deaf ears. At the October meeting of the RECI board of Directors concern was expressed by both the Director Representatives of independent contractors and AECI regarding the scheme. The position of the RECI Independent Director was that Electrical Contractors were being asked to pay money to retrain for work which they had traditionally carried out. “This is unfair in the current economic climate he said” . At the November meeting of the RECI Board of Directors it was decided to write to Justin Tallon of NECI and inform him that RECI would not be supporting the proposed BESS scheme in its current format after December 2011. Reasons given for this were that the Level 6 FETAC was to high a standard and that the cost of the training was prohibitive. Also the fact that there was only one source for the training was a major concern. After the Email from RECI was sent to NSAI a meeting of the steering group was called for Friday the 25th of November.

NECI wrote to NSAI and requested a seat at the table at this meeting. This request was accepted and Dave Butler and John Smith attended the meeting on behalf of NECI. Serious concerns were expressed by NECI at the meeting regarding the Training Level (FETEC 6), Cost (€900 to €1400) and time required (5 Days) to complete the training. While NECI agreed that some training to prove competence was required, we argued that the proposed training standard was too high. There seemed to be general consensus at the meeting that the best solution would be a two tier qualification i.e. The proposed level 6 FETEC standard for design of a new emergency lighting installation and a qualification which could be achieved with a one day training course which would allow contractors to commission and test an existing installation. The outcome of this meeting was that the NSAI would after listening to all parties positions consider how to move things forward. On December the 9th NSAI circulated an email indicating that it was withdrawing its membership and its secretariat of the BESS scheme.

Another meeting of the steering committee has been organised for Tuesday the 20th of December at 2pm. NECI expect to be involved in all further meetings of the BESS steering committee and will only accept an outcome which does not put major costs on our members who wish to continue operating in the Emergency Lighting Sector.

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LETTERS FROM EPACE                                                                                            19th  DEC 2011 

It has come to our attention that the Private Limited Company EPACE (Pensions and conditions Electrical Ltd.) has once again been sending out letters to Electrical Contractors. These letters request that contractors provide detailed information regarding pay and conditions and numbers of employees.
We remind all Contractors that EPACE is a Private Limited Company and not a government appointed body, as such no Contractor is in any way obliged to provide any information to EPACE.
Despite EPACE portraying itself as some sort of legally appointed body it is in fact only supported by the TEEU and the UK Based ECA with its 42 members. Despite threatening otherwise EPACE being a private company has no legal right to bring anyone to the Labour Court under Section 32 of the 1946 Industrial Relations Act.  EPACE will normally engage the TEEU who are entitled to bring a case to the Labour Court using information supplied by the contractor himself, who is in fact providing EPACE / TEEU with a stick to beat him with.
Please remember that it is up to EPACE / TEEU to provide evidence that a contractor is in breach of the Registered Employment Agreement. In a recent Labour Court case (1st November 2011) between an electrical contractor and the TEEU the Labour Court dismissed the case stating “A person alleging a contravention of a Registered Agreement must provide some credible and admissible evidence to substantiate the complaint. In this case no such evidence was tendered” 

All the directors of EPACE whose names appear on the bottom of the recent letters hail from TEEU and ECA. They are as follows, Eamonn Devoy and Arthur Hall of TEEU, Terry Tierney of Patrick Lynch Ltd (ECA Member) and Joseph Conway of JRE Electrical Clonmel (ECA Member and now in receivership)

NECI has sent a number of legal letters to EPACE requesting they desist from harassing our members all have been ignored. While it is up to each and every Contractor to decide himself whether or not he wishes to provide information to EPACE we would warn that in our experience starting any transfer of information to EPACE is the rock upon which many contractors have perished.

 

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

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EPACE REPORTS €25K LOSS, TEEU GETS €21,345                  23rd  NOV 2011 

The Private Limited Company EPACE (Pensions and Conditions Electrical Limited Number 303017) has reported a €25,194 loss in its 2010 accounts which have recently been lodged with the CRO (Companies Registration Office).  The accounts also show that EPACE received €163,343 from the CWPS (Construction Workers Pension Scheme), down from €210,699 in 2009. This payment is generated from the weekly 38 cent deductions from both employee and employer who contribute to the Construction Workers Pension Scheme.

Despite the loss of €25,194 the company paid out a total of €21,345 (Comprised of €17,345 for Labour Court Hearings and €4,000 for secretarial services) to the TEEU. The ECA (Electrical Contractors Association) also received €4,000.  Wages, Social Welfare and pension costs for the two employees of EPACE amounted to a massive €98,066. The performance of the company in 2010 has eroded the amount of cash in hand in the bank from €918,814 in 2009 to €880,681 last year.

The accounts were signed off on the 9th of September this year by EPACE Director Eamonn Devoy of the TEEU and EPACE Director Joseph Conway of ECA. Joe Conway represents Jer Ryan Electrical Contractors (T/A JRE Engineering Group) A Receiver was appointed to the JRE Engineering Group in Oct. this year.

NECI once again, Call for EPACE to be disbanded, and the remaining fund which is left in the Bank be returned to Electricians Pension Investments. It is now essential that this happens before this loss making Company spends the total fund or redirects it to the TEEU and the ECA.

Click HERE to Download a copy of EPACEs 2010 Accounts.

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STATEMENT FROM NATIONAL COUNCIL                                       19TH OCT 2011 

The National Council of NECI reluctantly accepts the recent resignations of both Denis Judge and Chris Montague. Denis has been an excellent CEO and he will be a huge loss to the association. Chris was an excellent National Council Member and his valued input will be missed.

 

The National Council as elected at the AGM in June of this year will continue to run NECI with the assistant CEO John Smith taking over the day to day running of the association. John can be contacted on the NECI phone Number or by email at john.smith@neci.ie . It is now more that ever that we need to be represented at the levels where the decisions are made. NECI will continue to be the association which provides a voice to those who previously had no say.  

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UPDATE ON HIGH COURT RULING                                                           02nd August 2011 

In Section 34 on page 19 of Justice Feeneys High Court Judgment of the 7th of July the Judge states the following,

 

“Where the consequences are an ERO which is to place an obligation on an employer to apply particular wage rates and conditions of employment which can be enforced by criminal sanction, those rates and conditions must be determined and based upon principles and policies laid down by the Oireachtas and not as determined by a delegated body acting in the absence of stated principles and policies.”

 

Having considered Justice Feeneys recent High Court decision and taken advice from our legal team and in particular considering the section of the Judgment outlined above, NECI now make the following observations.

Despite the fact that the National Employment Rights Authority (NERA) has been advising Electrical Contractors that the ruling of the 7th of July 2011 does not change the legal status of the REA (Registered Employment Agreement) for the Electrical Contracting Industry, NECI are of the opinion that the system of Registered Employment Agreements is, like the Employment Regulation Orders (ERO) Unconstitutional. The reason for this is that the High Court declared it Unconstitutional for a delegated body (as is the Electrical JIC) determining wage rates and conditions which can be enforced by criminal sanctions (As in the REA) without having regard to principles and policies laid down by the Oireachtas. NECI  suspect that the fear that every Electrical Contractor who has paid out money's on foot of the Registered Agreement will go to the courts to get those funds returned is the major factor behind NERAs position. The Government need to realise that this last ditch effort to uphold the flawed REA system will only delay the inevitable, and that when the system of REAs eventually falls (As NECI are confident it will)  the majority of Electrical Contractors will seek retribution for what they have suffered under the terms of this Unconstitutional agreement at the hands of the TEEU, EPACE and facilitated by the Labour Court. NECI will facilitate it's members in every way possible to achieve this retribution. Since its formation in 2008 NECI  have never changed it's opinion regarding the legal status of the electrical REA.

 

This agreement was entered into in 1990 by employers who did not hold (and still do not hold) a negotiating licence and were not substantially representative as required by section 27 of the flawed 1947 Industrial Relations Act. It is shocking that the protests by the Majority of Electrical Contractors who have been forced to comply with the terms of an unlawful agreement by the activities of a Trade Union and a Private Company who stand to gain financially from every Contractor who is conscripted, have fallen on deaf ears. NECI understand that some legal Maneuvers in the High Court will soon see the end of the REA system. The biggest casualty from this will be the preferred  pension scheme which will no doubt struggle to hold onto it's membership when employers can check out the full Market to achieve best value. We are confident that as with the challenge by the Quick Service Food Alliance, right will win out in the end. We would also assure our members that Electrical Contractors need never worry that another unrepresentative agreement will be introduced "Under the radar" as happened in 1990. NECI will never again allow the minority to rule the majority and will be wary of allowing any agreement with any Trade Union to be forced upon the business of every Electrical Contractor, big or small, operating in the state.

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HIGH COURT DECLARES E.R.O. UNCONSTITUTIONAL             07th JULY 2011 

NECI welcome the landmark decision of the High Court where Mr Justice Kevin Feeney upheld the challenge by fast food operators to the JLC / ERO system, which was established almost 60 years ago. This system was used to set minimum pay and conditions for certain sectors of workers. The judge ruled as unconstitutional sections of the 1946 and 1990 Industrial Relations Acts under which minimum pay and conditions are set under Employment Regulation Orders (ERO) which are proposed by JLC's (Joint Labour Commitees) for approval by the Labour Court. The core of the issue is the arguement that because criminal sanctions apply for non compliance with an ERO which has been rubber stamped by the Labour Court, the Labour Court is in effect making law. Section 15.2.1of the constitution states that the sole and exclusive power to make laws is vested in the Oireachtas.

The Criminal Sanctions for breach of the Registered Employment Agreement which has been operating since 1990 in the Electrical Contracting Industry were also rubber stamped by the Labour Court under the 1946 Industrial Relations Act.  This poses obovious questions regarding the legalility of our own Agreement. If a seperate legal challenge to the JIC /REA system is necessary NECI will not be found wanting. We will seek further clarification from our legal team as to the fallout from the Judgement by Justice Feeney. We will also get clarification regarding the legal standing of NECI members who have been, or are in the process of being criminalised by the courts for allegeded breaches of the electrical REA. 

Todays Judgement completely vindicates the position taken by NECI since its formation. We have always been of the opinion that our agreement has been unlawful.   

Click  HERE   To Download the full Judgement from the NECI Website.

Click                                                           

and   HERE  for report from the Sunday Business Post

Extract from Todays Judgement

"40. On the basis of the findings made by this Court, the plaintiffs are entitled to a declaration that the provisions of ss. 42, 43 and 45 of the 1946 Act and s. 48 of the 1990 Act are invalid having regard to the provisions of Article 15.2.1 of the Constitution of Ireland and also the declaration sought that the ERO is invalid. The Court will hear the parties in relation to the terms of such declarations. The court will also hear the parties in relation to the procedure to be followed in relation to outstanding matters for consideration by the court including the issue of the damages, if any, to which the plaintiffs might be entitled."

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ERO, REA REVIEW REPORT PUBLISHED                                  24th May 2011

Report calls for “… radical overhaul to make system fairer and more responsive to changing economic circumstances…”

Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Richard Bruton TD today (Tuesday), following a decision of Government, published the Report of the Independent Review of Employment Regulation Orders (EROs) and Registered Employment Agreement Wage Setting Mechanisms and set out a time-limited programme for a Government decision to be taken and announced on an action plan before the end of June 2011. As part of this programme, Minister Bruton will be setting out proposals arising from the recommendations and other issues raised by the report, which will then be the subject of time-limited discussions with relevant stakeholders. Minister Bruton has been asked to bring an action plan to the Government in time to be finalised by the end of June 2011.

The Minister said that the report’s overall finding that the basic framework of the current JLC/REA regulatory system requires “radical overhaul so as to make it fairer and more responsive to changing economic circumstances and labour market conditions” is consistent with the commitment in the Programme for Government.  “There is no adjustment as traumatic for any worker as the loss of a job, and the retail, hotel and catering sectors – the major sectors affected by these wage-setting mechanisms – have suffered a 20% loss in employment in the past three years. Furthermore, in many cases businesses are competing directly with the UK market where wages are 25-30% lower in these sectors; while rates of pay in the sectors covered by the JLCs have increased much faster than the National Minimum Wage, in some cases by more than 20%.

That is why it is important to formally begin a time-limited process of agreeing a series of urgent reforms to these mechanisms. As part of the process of finalising a comprehensive action plan, as required by the revised MOU, I will immediately begin discussions with relevant social partners and also with the European Commission Services. To this end I will make copies of the report available and set out a series of proposals for discussion based on the recommendations in the report and other issues raised in the report.

“It is my intention to complete discussions with relevant parties by Friday 10th June ahead of submitting a final action plan to Cabinet before the end of the month.”

Minister Bruton concluded by saying: “I would like to express my appreciation to Mr Kevin Duffy and Dr Frank Walsh for undertaking and completing the review on this very complex area within a very short timeframe and to all the parties who assisted the Review Team’s work through making submissions and direct consultation”.

Click    HERE To Download a copy of the Report from the NECI Website.

Section 12.16 on page 75 addresses the Electrical Contracting REA and states :

"There are particular problems in relation to the REA for the Electrical Contracting Industry, which we consider appropriate to address in this report. These problems were addressed in the extended hearing before the Court which resulted in Decision REP091, previously referred to, and in the subsequent Judicial Review proceedings. Those problems were also the subject of a general review of industrial relations issues in the industry undertaken on behalf of the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Employment by Mr Peter Cassells and Mr Finbarr Flood in 2009. That report made a number of recommendations on how the issues identified should be addressed. We do not consider it appropriate to reassess the issues dealt with in that report which we regard as eminently sensible. It is noted, however, that these proposals have not yet been implemented although it is understood that discussions are continuing with the assistance of the LRC on their implementation. It is our view that the continued viability of the REA for the Electrical Contracting industry is dependent on the implementation of those recommendations without further delay"

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DUFFY ON COURSE FOR WHITEWASH AS EXPECTED           19th May 2011

Reports from RTE regarding the Review of EROs and REAs indicate that, as forecast by NECI the Labour Court Chairman will not allow any real and substantive changes the existing regime. Initial information indicates that the Labour Court Chairman has concluded that “abolition would not lead to an increase in employment”. Some of the dormant JLCs which have not operated since the 1950s and 60s are being abolished in a cynical exercise to make it look like real change is being implemented. Examples of these are the JLCs for “Aerated Water and Wholesale Bottling and the JLCs for provender milling and clothing.”  These JLCs have not been active for the last 60 years. While the report says “there is a case for allowing employers under pressure to derogate from a JLC” it also gives itself a get out of jail clause by adding “provided this would not distort competition in the sector”. Of course it is obvious to any thinking person that this clause applies to each and every derogation and will be used to allow no derogations by employers. Since we learned of Mr. Duffy’s involvement NECI have never had any expectation that the review would address the problems which are causing the demise of many Electrical Contracting Company’s who are finding it impossible to operate a viable business while complying with an outdated agreement, which only 42 employers and 1 union get any input into. Further Job losses and business closures can be expected in the near future.

On a positive note we are confident that the ultimate success of one or more of the current legal challenges to the System will bring an end to Mr. Duffy’s strangle hold over our industry. Once again we would like to say that it is an utter disgrace that Mr. Duffy was appointed to his €170.000 a year position during the final days of the previous Government, by a Minister who was rejected by the people in the last General Election. 

Click      to see the RTE Report

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GOVERNMENT INITIATIVE RE. SECTORAL WAGE AGREEMENTS

10th May 2011

The Following important section is included in the Jobs Initiative Document Released by the Goverment today.

Sectoral Wage Agreements

"As set out in the Programme for Government, it is the Government’s intention to reform the structures for setting wages at sectoral level. The Minister for Enterprise, Jobs and Innovation has recently received the Report of the Independent Review of Employment Regulation Orders and Registered Employment Agreements, which he will be publishing shortly. The Report says that the system requires radical overhaul so as to make it fairer and more responsive to changing economic circumstances and labour market conditions. The downturn in the economy has had a profound effect on the labour market, with areas such as retail and accommodation and food being amongst those hardest hit. In this environment, it is necessary to ensure that these structures are flexible and adaptable to changing circumstances, and that they reflect the realities of our modern economy. In particular, there are issues relating to overtime and premium payments for Sunday working, the number of Joint Labour Committees, and the general functioning and supervision of the system."

Following the publication of the report, the Government is determined to proceed with urgency to substantial reform of the system.

Click  HERE  to download the full text of the Jobs Initiative Speech by Minister Michael Noonan.  

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2011 AGM A GREAT SUCCESS                                                 9th May 2011

The 2011 NECI Annual General Meeting which was held at the Hodson Bay Hotel last Saturday was a great success. The large attendance was welcomed by John Smith. John went on to read the 2010 AGM minutes which were adapted without change by the meeting. The Treasurers report was then presented by the independent NECI Auditor / Accountant. Members present adopted the report after it was proposed and seconded. The final draft of the new rule book was next on the agenda and after a detailed discussion the rule book was also adopted by the membership present. The Secretary’s report was read out and this report contained detailed information regarding meetings attended by the NECI National Council Members during the previous year.

Denis Judge was next on the agenda with the CEO address. Denis outlined not only our achievements in the previous 12 months, but out achievements since the formation of NECI in 2008. He informed the attendance regarding the current situation with the Registered Employment Agreement, the NECI Pension Scheme, the government review of EROs and REAs and proposed changes to Emergency lighting and CCTV / Access control installations. It was agreed by the meeting the some sort of Regulation was necessary in our Industry. “This regulation needs to be backed up by legislation; legislation requires education and ultimately enforcement” said Denis.

The Debate continued after the Coffee Break and the members also indicated that we should update out Aims and Objectives to reflect our aspirations in 2011. The discussion went on to detail the proposal to revamp and update the NECI Website. It was agreed that an update was a good idea and that the new National Council would examine the costs associated with this update.

The meeting went on the elect a new National which is as follows

CEO                Denis Judge                    Ass CEO John Smith

Treasurer       Derek Nash                     Secretary Dave Butler

Council Members:  Jonathan Barron, Claire Tunissen, Paul Lynch, Paedar Leddy, PJ Sammon, Chris Montague, Brendan Hegarty.

The meeting continued with a detailed presentation outlining the success of the Pension Mortality and Sick pay scheme. There was further discussion regarding the role of CER, RECI and ECSSA and also the issues regarding completion certificates and sub- contracting. One NECI member in attendance asked “Why does it all have to be so complicated?”

Many other issues affecting contractors were discussed and much useful information regarding the direction we need to take going into the future was passed on to the new National Council. A full and detailed account of the proceeding will be sent directly to all Members.

2011 NECI National Council   THE NECI 2011 NATIONAL COUNCIL Denis Judge presenting the CEO Address

Rear Left to Right    John Smith,Derek Nash,Chris Montague,Paul Lynch,Jonathan Barron,P.J. Sammon.

Front Left to Right    Brendan Hegarty,Denis Judge,Claire Tunissen,  Absent   Dave Butler,Paedar Leddy.

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NECI C.E.O. SPEAKS OUT AGAINST REA SYSTEM ON PRIMETIME    28th April 2011

 

Denis Judge the Chief Executive Officer of NECI has spoken out against the current Registered Employment Agreements on RTEs flagship news program Primetime. Denis clearly highlighted to anti-competitive aspects of the current agreement. He informed the public that Contractors can not continue to operate a viable business when the charge out rates needed to pay electricians and comply with the agreement are not achievable during the current economic crisis. Denis also pointed out the serious growing issue, where bona-fide Contractors are competing with the black market for business. It is a pity that the media consistently allow the use of the low paid argument when referring to Electrical Registered Agreement. Electricians are some of the highest paid crafts people in Ireland and it is clear we need to educate the general public to the fact the low pay is not an issue in the electrical Contracting Industry. 

Click         to see the programe. (relevent section starts at the middle of the programe)

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CONTRACTORS PLIGHT HIGHLIGHTED AGAIN                                        15th April 2011

The difficulties that electrical contractors are dealing with have once again been highlighted on National Radio. On Thursday the 14th of April both Denis Judge (NECI CEO) and Damien Hayes (NECI Member) created further awareness of the plight facing Irelands small Electrical Contractors.

Click       Liveline on RTE Radio 1 14th April 2011       to hear the show in full. The previous night UCD Economist Moore McDowell gave his opinions regarding the Electrical Contracting Registered Employment Agreement. Mr. McDowell was engaged by NECI as an expert witness in the Labour Court Hearing to cancel to agreement in 2009. Despite his clear opinions that the agreement was a barrier to employment in our Industry, the Labour Court in its wisdom decided not to cancel the agreement.

 

Click      Moore McDowell on the late debate      to hear Moore McDowell on the Late Debate or       RTE The Late Debate         to listen to the entire show.  

 

                       

Denis and Damien at the Labour Court                                       Moore McDowell

 

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ECA  JOIN  CANCELLATION  BID                                                                     27th March 2011

 

The 38 members of the ECA (Electrical Contractors Association) have decided to support the AECIs request for cancellation of the Registered Employment Agreement. NECI understand that a large turnout at the last monthly ECA meeting instructed the ECA to remove them from the agreement unless the union were willing to decrease the electrician’s rate to reflect what is realistic during the current economic climate.  The final nail went into the coffin of the REA when the Union requested an increase the electrician’s rate to in excess of €25 per hour.  If the ECA do not do a U-Turn (remember this association’s track record of sticking to their guns is not great) all employers who are allowed input into the agreement will be requesting cancellation under section 29 of the Industrial Relations Act. This will leave the Labour Court with no option but to cancel. NECI welcome this late decision by ECA who at last seem to have seen the light. It is a pity that it is now too late for many contractors who have now gone out of business because of the inability to adjust employees pay and conditions to reflect the achievable market rates.

 

NECIs and NECTAs requests for cancellation have been ignored by the Labour Court further confirming that this Court considers us as second class citizens in our own Industry. As soon as the Unions stranglehold is removed, NECI expect to see growth in our Industry for the first time since 2007. We look forward to regaining control of our own industry and being able to operate an electrical contracting business without looking over our shoulder. Top quality electricians will continue to command top wage rates but the mass produced celtic tiger electricians will have to settle for wage rates which reflect their limited abilities. The bad experience that the majority of contractors have had regarding this agreement will not quickly be forgotten. The inflexibility of the union has been simply astounding. Remember that nothing but the wage rates has changed since the agreement was registered more than 20 years ago.

 

NECI hope that the Labour Court has also learned from the battle of the electrical REA over the last three years. Hopefully the Court will check that parties are actually “substantially representative” as required by law before it registers another agreement. This is particularly relevant in the mechanical industry where there are moves to register a new agreement which will apply to every small plumbing business in Ireland. The Labour Court needs to be sure that the mechanical employers involved are truly representative. Many lessons have been learned from the recent experience, and these lessons should ensure that we never give control of our Industry to a union again. We are the risk takers and we should never apologise for making decent profits. Properly qualified electricians deserve premium wage rates but poor electricians with limited abilities should receive less.

 

The future looks bright.      Click For RTE Report   RTE REPORT     

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NO SHOW BY ECA.                                                                                                  10th March 2011

 

The British Based ECA (Electrical Contractors Association) failed to attend an Industry wide Meeting which had been organised to identify and address the problems facing Irelands Electrical Contractors. Jean Winters (EPACE Director) was busy attending an employment tribunal and the remainder of her I.R. (Industrial Relations) committee were "Out of the Country". This non attendance follows the unavailability of ECA at a proposed earlier meeting . While the ECA will rush to meet with the TEEU at the drop of a hat, they are seemingly not interested in attending a meeting, the purpose of which is to attempt to solve the problems which the Registered Employment Agreement is causing. It is ironic that the 38 members of the ECA have imposed this REA upon the majority of the Industry, with no consideration to the negative effects on in excess of 4500 Electrical Contractors who are allowed no input into the terms of the agreement but are none the less lawfully bound by its terms. The current agreement might suit the large contractor, but there is little doubt that it is impossible for the smaller Contractor the operate a viable business while complying with its restrictive terms. It is also ironic that the same large contractors who impose the current REA upon the smaller contractor and the very ones who sub-contract all their Labour in an attempt to move the responsibility of compliance down the line. This abuse of Electrical Sub-Contractors by large ECA Members has been clearly identified during the Dublin Airport Terminal 2 Installation.

Despite the NO Show by ECA who after all only represent 38 employers there was general agreement from AECI, NECI, and NECTA that the current Registered Employment Agreement was no longer “fit for purpose”  and needs to be immediately cancelled. There was also acknowledgement that without the support of the ECA the Labour Court will ignore the current requests from AECI, NECI, and NECTA to cancel the agreement. It must made clear that if the ECA add their voice to the current majority who are seeking cancellation, under section 29 (2) of the 1946 Industrial Relations act, the Labour Court will have no option but to cancel. This is because the 1946 act makes it clear that if all “employer OR employees” support cancellation under section 29 (2) the Court has no choice but to impose cancellation.

 

NECI suspect that some ECA members have been given the impression that the current parties who are seeking cancellation will succeed alone thereby allowing ECA to blame other parties for the cancellation and avoid the wrath of the Union.

It is NECIs opinion that the Labour Court will only cancel the agreement when it has no other choice. It is now clear that the only way to remove this choice from the Labour Court is for ECA to join the remainder of the Industry and support the calls for cancellation. The ECA is clearly controlled by the vested intrests within the CIF. It is now time that the requirements of Electrical Contractors were put to the fore.

 

It is also time to address the long standing “what we have we hold” attitude which has resulted in the current agreement becoming totally out of date and a barrier to creating business and employment.  We must no longer sell our Industry for “Industrial Stability” or allow the control of our Industry to rest with a Trade Union who sees “Profit” as a dirty word and considers “employers” to be some sort of low life’s who earn their living on the back of abuse of Union Members. We are the risk takers, and ultimately we pay the wages. We are the ones who will pay a heavy price for failure. The current agreement has only succeeded in producing large quantitys of "dubious quality" electricians who can hide behind the protection of a Registered Employment Agreement to achieve rates of pay which do not reflect their limited abilities.

 

It was agreed at the meeting to seek a tri-party meeting with the new Minister for Enterprise and inform him of the current situation regarding the unlawful REA. It was also agreed to inform the minister that we had no confidence in the persons who are carrying out the current "Review of EROs & REAs". All parties were sceptical of Kevin Duffy and Frank Walsh and doubted if these are the right people to actually introduce change. The meeting was informed that both of these people were originally from Trade Union backgrounds and therefore would not seriously consider the employer issues when carrying out the review. NECI have always been of the opinion that Kevin Duffy of the Labour Court will not produce a balanced and fair review.

 

It is also a utter disgrace that a government made this appointment only a few weeks before the people of Ireland voted by huge majority to remove them from power. In fact Minister Hanafin who appointed the Labour Court chairman to be involved in the review, was rejected by the Irish People and lost her seat in the recent general election. The appointment of Mr Duffy is a prime example of the “rampant cronyism” which destroyed our economy and brought the IMF to our door.

 

For many Contractors time is running out, Now is the time to remove the stranglehold of the current Registered Employment Agreement from our Industry. We now call on the ECA to allow their 38 members to vote on whether they want to remain within the current agreement or not.

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NECI TO ATTEND INDUSTRY MEETING                                                      4th March 2011

A meeting of all Electrical Contracting Trade Associations will take place at the end of next week. NECI Delegates will attend this meeting, which will also be attended by NECTA, AECI and ECA.  This will be the second meeting between these parties. We are hopeful that the ECA in particular will actually get an Electrical Contractor to attend this meeting.  We at NECI consider the most important issue to be addressed is the current unlawful Registered Employment Agreement. As far as we can determine it is clear that the only supporters of this unlawful agreement are the ECA. NECI will, on behalf of our members, advise the ECA of the current dissatisfaction of Contractors who have this agreement imposed upon them.

Maybe for a change all Electrical Contractors will unite to achieve what is best for the Industry. The time has come to put ourselves first; we need to cease to operate our Industry in a manner which only suits the Construction Industry Federation and the Trade Unions. The coming years will be difficult for all Contractors. Lets give ourselves a fighting chance and remove ourselves from the constraints of the current outdated agreement.

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NECI SUBMISSION FOR ERO / REA REVIEW                                              25th February 2011

A comprehensive submission outlining NECIs position regarding the current electrical contracting REA has been prepared and lodged with the Department of Enterprise Trade & Innovation. The submission runs to in excess of 200 pages and clearly identifies the negative effects for employers who are obliged to operate an Electrical Contracting Business under the terms of the current Registered Employment Agreement. We understand that in excess of 200 submissions have been lodged. The review is to be completed within six weeks, which indicates we can expect completion in mid April. The report which was prepared by Peter Cassells and Finbar Flood in 2009 was included in the NECI submission. The four recommendations arising from this investigation have been completely ignored by the parties to the current REA.

The review is being carried out by Mr. Kevin Duffy and Mr. Frank Walsh. NECI have clearly told Mr. Duffy and Mr. Walsh that we will not continue to apply the terms of the current REA when we are allowed no input into its contents. We have advised the review team regarding the lack of change (except upward wage increases) in the agreement since 1990. We have also advised them regarding the reluctance of Contractors to take on employees under the terms of the current agreement. A section of our submission informs the review body about the make up and operation of EPACE. Of course none of this will be news to Mr. Duffy who is well aware of the severe effects of the current agreement on small Electrical Contractors who are excluded from having any input into the agreement. Many of our members have stood before Mr. Duffy and paid a heavy price for not knowing that the Agreement made between the ECA / AECI and a Union was legally binding on them also.

 

We await the completion of the review with great interest.     

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HIGH COURT TO HEAR NEW CHALLENGE                                              24th February 2011 

Another legal challenge to the REA / ERO systems is due to be heard in the High Court on Wednesday, 16th March 2011 . One week has been set aside to hear the case. The challenge is been brought by the Quick Service Food Alliance (QSFA) is a constitutional challenge on the Catering JLC. While the issues are complex the case basically questions the powers of a Joint Labour Council and the Labour Court to make agreements which then become legally binding on other employers who are outside the system. The constitution clearly states that the only body which can make the laws in Ireland is the Dail. NECI representatives will attend the Court and keep a close eye on the case.

We do not expect a fast result from this challenge but we can only welcome any development which highlights the negative side of the current setup.

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SERIOUS QUESTIONS ASKED OF REGISTERED AGREEMENT SYSTEM  18th February 2011

On RTEs Prime Time Late Debate on 17th Feb. 2011 some serious questions were asked of the current REA and ERO systems. These systems are the method of setting pay and conditions and only operate in certain Industries. The problems regarding Registered Employment Agreements were clearly highlighted. Of course none of this is news to the small Electrical Contractors who have been at the blunt end of the problems caused by Registered Agreements for the last number of years. It was refreshing to hear that NECI are not the only ones to question the relevance and operation of the entire 1946 Industrial Relations Act. This is particularly relevant during the current economic crisis. NECI has done an excellent job in highlighting the negative aspect of these agreements. In the past this negative aspect has been glossed over and misrepresented by Trade Unions and Large Employers who will sell anything to maintain Industrial Peace. This applies even if the cost is major job losses and the demise of small business.style="COLOR: black">The agreement operating in the Electrical Contracting Sector is clearly not fit for purpose and NECI demand that it is immediately cancelled before any further damage is done to our Industry. It is clear that the agreement is now outdated and un-workable. The Private Limited Company which was set up by the Trade Union and the Large Employers needs to be immediately wound up. This Private Company has misrepresented itself and bullied small contractors into complying with an agreement they knew nothing about. To make things worse these small contractors were excluded from having any input into the Agreement in the first place. It is time to inform employees that these agreements cause small contractors to be un-competitive and will eventually lead to the demise of all small employers.

It is now clear that the only winner from these Agreements are Large Business, Out of state Companies and the Black Economy.

                        Click     To Watch the Entire Show

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ELECTRICIANS IN LINE FOR 7.5% PAY CUT                                              14th February 2011

NECI understands that the ECA (Electrical Contractors Association) has demanded a 7.5 % pay cut for all Electricians working in the Electrical Contracting Sector. This demand follows a similar Pay Cut which has been applied to all workers to whom the Construction Industry Registered Employment Agreement (REA) applies. The Electrical Contracting sector has its own REA and this REA is currently only supported by the UK based ECA and the TEEU. We understand that the Union have been informed that unless they accept the wage cut, the ECA will follow the AECIs lead and withdraw from the agreement. This would lead to the automatic collapse of the agreement as all employer groups will have withdrawn support for the agreement. As usual the majority of Contractors who are lawfully bound to apply the terms of the REA have not been afforded the oppuritunity to express their opinions.

Outside the Industry it is not common knowledge that the two stage 4.5% Pay Rise recommended by the Labour Court to settle the July 2009 Strike has never been ratified by the Labour Court and therefore has never been implemented. This in effect means that nothing was achieved for workers by the 2009 Strike. Electricians now face a 7.5% pay cut on the rate they have held since 2008. It is difficult to see how the TEEU can refuse this request as if the ECA stick to their word, an automatic collapse of thje REA would follow. This would lead to the Union having no effective control of the Industry. It is Ironic that the ECA was the only employer body who freely supported the now famous 1 euro 5 cent (5%) pay rise in May 2008. This proposed pay increase lead to the current challenges to the REA in the electrical sector. The ECA did the first of many U-Turns and not only withdrew support for the pay increase but went on to look for a 10% Pay Cut during the hearing to cancel the REA in Early 2009. This is the same 10% which ECA took off the table on the first day of the July 2009 strike.  ECA were the only body to support the two stage 4.5% pay increase in August 2009 and once again they withdrew support during the hearing to vary the agreement in early 2010. It is clear that ECA have a habit of agreeing pay increases (which we are all liable to pay) and then avoiding actually implementing them.

Given its track record it is difficult to see the ECA sticking to its guns on the current Pay Cut request. Despite the fact that ECA hold all the cards it is likley that this association will do what is best for the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) who seem to have control at the top of the ECA. It seems clear that the requirments of Electrical Contractors are second place to the requirments of the CIF on the ECAs Agenda. NECI would now once again like to object to the fact that while decisions which we are lawfully bound to implement, are being made, we are excluded from having any input into these decisions. We would also once again like to state that we will never part-take in a tidying up excerise of the current agreement. For the Industry to move forward the existing agreement must be torn up and a new all inclusive agreement put in its place.

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REGISTERED AGREEMENTS TO BE EXAMINED                                        8th February 2011

The terms of reference for the Review of the current system of REAs (Registered Employment Agreements) and EROs (Employment Regulation Orders) have been announced by the Dept. of Enterprise Trade & Innovation. Click HERE to download the terms from the NECI Website. 

It is clear from the Terms of Reference that the issues which have been consistently raised by NECI will now be examined in detail. We are confident that the legitimacy of our claim that the current agreement is not suitable for the smaller contractor will become clear to all. NECI has been invited to provide a submission regarding its views on the current agreement and this submission will be carefully prepared over the next few days. The review will examine the 68 currently registered agreements and we at NECI fully expect that it will become clear that the vast majority of these 68 agreements have not been active for many years and are now in fact defunct. NECI will also raise the issues of non-registered Joint Industrial Councils being supported by the Labour Court and Parties without any negotiating license, negotiating for workers other that their own, contrary to the 1942 Trade Union Act.

The Review will be conducted jointly by Kevin Duffy and Dr Frank Walsh. NECI have serious concerns regarding the involvement of Mr. Duffy who despite being aware of the hardship which the current regime has imposed on small innocent Electrical Contractors (Who are barred from having any input into the terms of the agreement) has done nothing to correct the current situation where 90% of employers and employees have no voice into the agreement with which they must legally comply. Dr Frank Walsh is a labour economist and has been a lecturer in the School of Economics at U.C.D. since 1995.  Prior to this he completed a Ph.D at the University of Iowa. NECI are confident that this review will at last determine that the current agreement is outdated, inflexable, unrepersentative, and in fact unlawful. The current agreement is a major factor in the creation of the un-desireable sub-contract culture in the Industry. Nothing in the agreement encourages job creation and the terms of the agreement are forced upon small contractors who cannot run a viable contracting business while complying with its terms. The fact that the only employer body who now support the current agreement is the UK based ECA will surley be a major factor in determining that the agreement has serious flaws. The 42 members of this organisation must not allow the CIF to dictate its position, as the requirments of the CIF are not always the same as the requirments of Electrical Contractors.

NECI expect the lack of willingness from Employee Parties to the current agreement, to allow a "voice for all" will be a major barrier to any agreement going into the future. The “what we have we hold” attitude will cost them dearly in the long run. All submissions are to be returned by the 25th of this month and the review is to be completed within 6 weeks after this date.

DR FRANK WALSH of U.C.D.   Dr Frank Walsh                        RTE News Click HERE ________________________________________________________________________________

LABOUR COURT YET TO REACT TO SUBSTANTIAL CHANGE              29th January 2011

Despite at least three applications from employer bodies to cancel to outdated Electrical Registered Employment Agreement, the recently reappointed Chairman of the Labour Court has taken no action to date. Neci are aware that three employer bodies have written to Mr. Duffy who earns €170,000 a year and requested the Court cancel the agreement under Section 29 (2)  of the 1946 Industrial Relations Act.

Section 29 states “(2) The Court may cancel the registration of an employment agreement if satisfied that there has been such substantial change in the circumstances of the trade or business to which it relates since the registration of the agreement that it is undesirable to maintain registration”

All three bodies are of the opinion that the withdrawal of AECI from the agreement thereby leaving only 42 employer members of the British based ECA  is “such substantial change” that it is now clearly “undesirable to maintain registration”

It can also be argued that the current dire economic situation is another “substantial change” that renders it “undesirable to maintain registration”

Another welcome development is that the current Agreement is also to be examined to see if it is fit for purpose under the terms of the bailout from the IMF. Despite the requirement that this examination be completed by Quarter one 2011, its terms of reference have yet to be made public. NECI welcome the decision not to allow Mr. Duffy to head up the REA and ERO reviews as he clearly cannot be considered to be independent.

It is also likely that the Supreme Court will consider the case of the Electrical REA later this year and NECI are confident of a positive outcome from this Court.

The current situation is another clear example of the inflexibility of the Employee representatives to the current agreement. If another suitable up to date agreement is ever to be introduced it can only work if it is (as required by the 1946 IR act) representative of all sides of the Industry. This must include a voice for the thousands of electricians who are not members of the TEEU.

The Labour Court has been aware of the serious problems which many contractors have with the current arrangement since 2008. Despite this awareness the Court has done nothing for the mostly small electrical contractors who find it impossible to operate a viable business under the outdated terms of the current flawed agreement. Considering the evidence of the negative effect of this agreement on many contractors, which the Labour Court is clearly aware of, one has to wonder if the Court is acting as an unbiased tribunal, or a support system for trade unions.

The longer the current agreement is imposed on the majority who are allowed no input into its terms, the more unlikely it is that any agreement will be entered into ever again.

NECI now once again request that the Labour Court address the current issue of employer support for the REA as a matter of urgency.

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RECI & ECSSA INTRODUCE TRIAL COMMON INSPECTION SYSTEM       25th JANUARY 2011

The CER (Commission for Energy Regulation) in conjunction with RECI and ECSSA has introduced a trial common performance marking system for Registered Electrical Contractors. The new system is points based and the aim is to standardize the inspection process for all contractors. A copy of the new system has been sent to all NECI members. Contractors who are due an inspection would be well advised to examine closely the document to ensure you receive maximum points in all sections. The new system will be reviewed later in the year and a decision made on its future. We at NECI welcome any move to apply a common inspection process for all Electrical Contractors.  

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PENSION & SICK PAY UPDATE                                                                 24th JANUARY 2011         

The Pension and sick pay scheme launched by NECI last year continues to grow at a better than projected rate. Many employers and employees have taken advantage of the major cost savings in these difficult times and still increased the benefits due in the event of a claim. NECI in its Aims & Objectives at the launch meeting in 2008 committed to providing an alternative pension scheme and sick pay system where no funds would be diverted to any Trade Union or Private Limited Company. We expect the scheme to continue to grow in 2011 and to be the market leader in the electrical industry in the near future. NECI are of the opinion that Employers gave away control of our industry in 1990. The success of the new scheme is an example of what can be achieved if we re-gain control of our industry and think outside the box. People with vested interests need to be removed from the decision making process and the majority of employers in The Electrical Contracting industry need to be listened to.

The current situation where the majority of small Contractors are allowed no input has proved to be un-workable and must now be changed.

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EPACE RELEASE 2009 ACCOUNTS                                                            7th DECEMBER 2010

The Private Limited Company Pensions & Conditions Electrical (EPACE) has released its 2009 Accounts as required by the Company’s Registration Office (CRO). EPACE have in excess of €900,000 on deposit in the bank. The Accounts are signed by Eamonn Devoy TEEU (Director) and Jean Winters ECA (Secretary). This is the same Mr. Devoy who said on Joe Duffy’s Liveline that he was not a director of any private company. In 2009 this Private Limited, Trade Union Controlled Company received in excess of €210,000 from electricians and their employers. This money has been unlawfully redirected from electrician’s pension contributions. These electricians in the main, have no knowledge that a payment to EPACE is included in the pension contribution.

This year Epace gave €32,050 to the TEEU for so called “inspection fees” and Labour Court Hearings. EPACE also gave €4000 to TEEU and €4000 to ECA for what is described as “administration and secretarial services” .  It is an utter disgrace that the British based ECA and the TEEU continue to take unauthorized hard earned money from electricians. AECI who were involved in the initial formation of EPACE withdrew their support in 2007 because of EPACEs use of Trade Union Officials to inspect contractors. It is clearly unacceptable that any Trade union Official should be involved in Employer Inspections in any way. This private company has bullied and harassed contractors to comply with an unlawful agreement which is now only supported by 42 employers and an unrepresentative trade union. The two employees of EPACE (Rebecca Vega and Suzanne Green) received €79,261 in wages and had €11,563 paid in pension contribution on their behalf. 

The Unlawful Registered Employment Agreement which has operated without change in the Electrical Contracting Sector since 1990 is close to collapse. EPACE is a result of the flawed and outdated thinking behind this agreement.  The current un-sustainable arrangement is clearly in need of a total revamp. The longer the current REA and EPACE remains in operation, the more difficult it will be to ever introduce a new system which has the support of all parties. NECI will make sure that all current unlawful funds which are held by EPACE will by sent back to its rightful owners.

(A copy of the 2009 EPACE Accounts will be mailed to NECI Members)

The following are the people who currently control EPACE

SECRETARY              JEAN WINTERS                  Electrical Contractors Association                       (ECA)

DIRECTOR 1              JOSEPH CONWAY            Jer Ryan Electrical Clonmel                                  (JRE)

DIRECTOR 2              EAMONN DEVOY             Techicinal Engineering & Electrical Union           (TEEU)

DIRECTOR 3              ARTHUR HALL                 Techicinal Engineering & Electrical Union           (TEEU)

DIRECTOR 4              TERRY TIERNEY              Patrick Lynch Limited Dublin

DIRECTOR 5 (Alt)     CHARLIE PRIZEMAN      Techicinal Engineering & Electrical Union           (TEEU)

DIRECTOR 6 (Alt)     JEAN WINTERS                 Electrical Contractors Association                        (ECA)

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NECI VINDICATED BY GOVERNMENT 4 YEAR PLAN                                 24th November 2010

The Government has identified that the current regime of Registered Employment Agreements (REAs) and Employment Regulation Orders (EROs) are a disincentive to Job Creation during the current economic crisis. NECI identified this fact in early 2008 and stated in its original Aims and Objectives that "The operation and imposition of the current REA has caused severe hardship and loss of employment in the Industry and is anti-competitive"  Click HERE to see 2008 Aims and Objectives.

NECI welcome the decision that the Department of Enterprise Trade and Innovation, will review within 3 months all REAs and EROs. We expect that the outcome of this review will be the same as the outcome of the Cassells / Flood report, ie the Electrical REA is outdated and no longer Fit for purpose. The recommendations of the Cassells / Flood report have been totally ignored by the two current parties who contuinue to support the current REA. NECI has once again written to the Labour Court and demanded that the current agreement is cancelled. Todays decision by the Government to examine if the Electrical REA is "fit for purpose" is a vindication of the position held by NECI since early 2008. Despite not being allowed any input into the current REA, NECI will have a voice into the upcoming Review and will make it clear that the current situation where only 42 employers support the current agreement is unacceptable.

It is unfortunate that it has taken the near insolvency of the state to force the Government to address the issues regarding REAs. Two years ago NECI and the Unaligned Contractors highlighted the problems reconised by the Goverment today, before the Labour Court. Despite uncontested proof that Electrical Contractors could not operate a viable business under the current agreement, the Labour Court failed miserably to resolve the matter.   Numerous meetings were held between NECI and many Government Ministers over the last two years. We have highlighted the anti-competitive and anti-employment impact of the REA, but tragically all failed to recognise the seriousness of this situation and furthermore failed or refused, to tackle the root cause of the problem, the unrepresentative REA.

The history books will record that it took a group of time-served qualified electricians, who became electrical contractors to stand up and fight against the enslavement of the electrical contracting industry by a Registered Employment Agreement, an agreement they were allowed no input into.

The National Council of NECI would like to congratulate each and every NECI Member. You can be proud that you have played your part in the fight against tyranny. You have stood up against an unfair system which allowed corruption, cartelism, cronyism, inequity and which led to the near devastation of the electrical contracting industry.

While it is now too late for many contractors, NECI now demand that the current outdated, inflexible,  unrepresentative, uncompetitive, unlawful agreement is cancelled and a new all inclusive system be put in place. We urgently need to be free from the restrictive terms of the current REA. Electrical Contractors need to regain control of their business return to a position where we can encourage growth in our Industry.

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RELEVENT Section from Government 4 year plan

 

Other regulated wage Levels exist in certain sectors where employers and workers reach specific agreements about pay and conditions either through Registered Employment Agreements (REAs) or Employment Regulation Orders (EROs) following consideration by Joint Labour Committees. The terms in each case are protected by Legislation. These agreements apply mainly to the agricultural, catering, construction and electrical contracting sectors. Pay rates are typically above the National Minimum Wage and in some cases incorporate sigificantly higher wage levels.

 

Both types of agreements constitute another form of labour market rigidity by preventing wage levels from adjusting. This in turn affects the sustainability of existing jobs and may also prevent the creation of new jobs, particularly for younger people disproportionately affected by the employment crises who form part of the labour force for these sectors.

Consistent with a proposed reduction in the minimum wage, it is important that any barriers to employment are removed in these regulated sectors given their significance for the traded sector of the economy. There is also a need to ensure these agreements are fit-for-purpose in the current economic climate. There is a strong case for removing anomalies and obsolete provisions, so as to have a more streamlined, transparent and flexible model of wage setting.

Three particular aspects of these arrangements have been identified as potentially problematic from a competitiveness and job creation perspective. These are:

  • Specific cost-increasing conditions such as pay rates for Sunday working;
  • Geographical divisions which can sometimes appear arbitrary;
  • and Inflexibility in measures for adjusting agreements in line with broader labour market developments.

 These issues must be addressed in order to assist competitiveness and employment growth in these important sectors.

 

Action Point

  A review of the framework REA and ERO arrangements will be undertaken by the Minister for Enterprise Trade & Innovation, to be finalised within 3 months.

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AECI WITHDRAW FROM REGISTERED AGREEMENT         

NECI Welcome the AECIs decision to withdraw from the Registered Employment Agreement.

NECI Press Release Click  HERE       RTE NEWS Click   <