The construction industry has begun moves to seek the approval of the Labour Court to introduce pay cuts of 20 per cent for workers in the sector.

The Construction Industry Federation (CIF) has also sought the introduction of a new entry grade who would be paid the statutory minimum wage. The current entry rate for a general operative is €13.77 per hour which the CIF argued was 60 per cent higher than the minimum wage level.

The CIF is seeking Labour Court approval to alter the existing registered employment agreement which governs terms and conditions in the building industry.

The move is being opposed by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions. Sources close to congress said it believed discernible progress was being made in talks with the construction industry before “it made an abrupt run to the Labour Court”.