Mr. Tom Parlon:

I do not find myself agreeing with ICTU very often, but I certainly agree in this case. The collaboration on this has been very strong. Physical distancing is a challenge. As those who have worked on sites know, it is tricky and, in some cases, it is quite difficult. The direction is that if there is a need for closer working that one should seek every opportunity to do it differently. That may be with the help of mechanical aids or by whatever other means but, as ICTU has said, if one must do that it is necessary to work while using the proper PPE.

Yesterday, both the Trade Union Federation and the Construction Industry Federation reached an agreement that will be signed tomorrow. BATU, Connect and SIPTU claim to represent 90% of the entire construction workforce. We have agreed all the terms. It is very much a collaboration. The union representative on site will be the eyes and ears of the workers. If they see a difficulty, they will bring it to the attention of the Covid supervisor and then it will be brought to the attention of management. If an issue cannot be resolved it will come to the attention of the trade unions and CIF. We have a facility in place where that can be worked out.