Travel Expense Row Forces Strike Action With Construction Workers

Construction workers striking around the country say they are frustrated with the lack of compensation for travel time.

Members of Unite trade union are taking part in a full work stoppage today, at locations in Dublin, Cork and Limerick.

In a statement, Unite said the decision to strike was not taken lightly but reflects deep frustration among workers over the ongoing failure to reinstate travel expenses, which were previously a standard part of their pay package.

“The removal of the first hour of travel time places an unfair financial burden on our members, many of whom travel long distances to work. It’s simply unsustainable, and our members have had enough,” a Unite spokesperson said.

The strike is expected to cause significant disruption at the affected sites, with many key projects being brought to a halt for the day.

In addition to the pickets at the Diageo, Intel, Eli Lilly, and ESB sites, other construction locations across Ireland may also see smaller-scale disruptions as solidarity grows with the Unite members on strike.

The travel time allowance has long been a contentious issue in the construction industry, where workers often move between various projects, many of which are located far from their homes.

With rising fuel costs and living expenses, workers argue that the restoration of travel expenses is crucial to ensure they are not left out of pocket simply for getting to work.