A
new employment agreement has been signed between the Transport and General
Workers’ Union (T&G) and the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
The
deal between the T&G and the construction industry’s second largest
employer, will lead to improvements in pay and conditions for construction
workers, the union claims.
The
one-year agreement will ensure a 6.2 per cent increase in pay for more than
200,000 construction workers, as well as increased employer contributions to
pension schemes, and substantial improvements to daily fare and travel
allowances.
T&G
national secretary Bob Blackman said: "We believe this is a positive deal
overall for the 200,000 construction workers who will benefit from improvements
to wages, conditions and pensions.
"The
T&G is particularly pleased that a minimum rate of £6 an hour has been
established, which is the standard we aim for with employers in all
industries."
The
new basic hourly rates, based on a 39-hour week, will be the craftsmen rate at
£7.75 (previously £7.30) and the adult general operative rate at £6 (previously
£5.65). Apprentices will also receive a 6.2 per cent increase.
The
new rates will be effective for a year beginning 9 June 2003.
