'Recession is no excuse' warns new Ucatt chief

摘要

Contractors are using the tough financial climate as an excuse to short-change their workers, according to the head of construction's biggest union. Ucatt general secretary Steve Murphy - who was elected last month by 5,475 of the 48,146 eligible members - says he wants to work with good employers to create a level playing field, but he isn't afraid of taking the fight to those he thinks deserve it. Speaking to Construction News in his first interview since taking office,Mr Murphy said: "I think some employers will use the economic downturn as an excuse. "We have seen a raft of employers over the past couple of years who have tried to lay people off, telling them that they are not going to get paid, that they are going on to short-time working and the rest of it.