THOUSANDS of electricians are to benefit from a 14% pay rise over three years, Unite the Union has announced.
The deal, negotiated by the union through the Joint Industry Board (JIB) agreement, will benefit nearly 10,000 electricians employed by around 550 employers, it added.
From January 2026, the workers will receive a 3.95% rise, followed by a 4.6% rise in 2027 and a 4.85% rise in 2028. Cumulatively, wages will increase by 14% over three years.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “This excellent deal was reached because the JIB employers know Unite members have strong collective bargaining powers. Throughout the construction industry and across the economy, Unite’s total dedication to improving jobs, pay and conditions is winning for workers.”
Apprentices will receive a two per cent rise in 2027 and a three per cent rise in 2028 and the deal also provides improvements to sick pay. In addition, Unite will begin discussions with Electrical Contractors Association, the employers’ side of the JIB, on improving terms and conditions for pensions and travel expenditure.
Unite national officer for construction, Jason Poulter, said, “This multi-year deal shows the power of Unite’s electrical membership to win for workers and deliver increasing rates of pay and improved conditions.
“The increase of 14% over the next three years was hard won by our union through Unite’s lay member negotiators. Alongside the increase to electrical apprenticeship pay, this represents an excellent result only achievable by solid union organisation and workers coming together to ensure their skills are properly valued.”
