Site workers can 'up performance'

Site operatives are often best placed to comment on how construction can improve its performance and there should be more involvement at site level with productivity matters, according to Paul Corby, national officer for construction at the AEEU.

The union official said: "On many occasions when I've visited problematic projects I have received chapter and verse reports from shop stewards and members on design problems, chaotic communications structures, and a complete absence of motivational management.

"There must be a dialogue in order to get the best out of industrial relations in the construction industry and a better deal for the workforce as we approach the new millennium."

Corby welcomed the initiatives of Sir Michael Latham, Sir John Egan and the ACTIVE scheme which aims to improve construction industry performance.

However Corby felt that workers were being overlooked: "All these initiatives should directly impact on the skilled worker on the job and draw on the potential of the skilled UK construction worker."