Local Construction Workers Deserve a Level Playing Field- O'Leary

Local Construction Workers Deserve a Level Playing Field


Commenting on the controversy over the failure of construction company BAM to employ local workers on projects tendered from Cork City Council, Sinn Féin councillor Chris O’Leary has said the party favoured positive discrimination in favour of unemployed local workers and apprentices.

Cllr O’Leary said:

“Sinn Féin has met with representatives of the Cork Society of Operative Masons who are angered by the fact that BAM construction, which is carrying out work on the Glen Regeneration Project and Coal Quay upgrade on contract from the council, are employing no local workers. All of the employees come from other areas of Ireland.”

“There are thousands of tradesmen currently unemployed in this city. In particular, there are hundreds of apprentices who have been unable to secure jobs and complete their apprenticeships. We believe a portion of jobs on construction projects tendered from City Council should be reserved for local workers.”

“There are precedents for the conclusion of voluntary agreements between local authorities or communities and construction companies to ensure positive discrimination in favour of local workers. These include the construction of Mahon Point Shopping Centre and an earlier phase of the Glen Regeneration Project.”

“We also support breaking local authority tenders into smaller contracts in order to maximise the number of local companies than can compete for them.”

“Sinn Féin will be placing a motion to this effect before the next meeting of the council. It is important that we allow unemployed local construction workers and apprentices a level playing field.”

For further information or comment contact Cllr Chris O’Leary 087-2793407