Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
NORTHERN IRELAND SECRETARY Chris Heaton-Harris has been challenged over pay awards for public sector workers as another strike brings transport in the region to a standstill today.
Bus and rail services in Northern Ireland are being halted for a third day in just over a week on one of the busiest shopping days of the year, just before Christmas.
Members of the Unite, GMB and Siptu unions employed by public transport company Translink started the action just after midnight on Friday.
It follows a two-day stoppage last week and has brought all bus and rail services to a standstill.
Further public transport strike dates are expected to be announced in the new year.
The dispute is over pay, with unions arguing for a cost-of-living pay increase.
The unions said they were told Translink could “only offer a pay freeze” due to the budget set by Heaton-Harris earlier this year in the absence of locally elected ministers.
Meanwhile, there will be a “generalised day of action” by public sector workers, including health workers, midwives, radiographers, teachers and civil servants on 18 January over pay.
Political parties took part in talks with Heaton-Harris earlier in the week where they were told of a £3.3 billion (about €3.8 billion) financial package from the UK Government which could cover public sector pay awards if devolved government was resurrected.
But the DUP, who are refusing to participate in the Stormont Assembly until unionist concerns over post-Brexit trading arrangements are addressed, has indicated it remains in discussions with the Government.
‘Cruelly dangling funding’
GMB regional organiser Peter Macklin accused Heaton-Harris of “cruelly dangling funding for a pay increase in front of public sector workers”.
“He is seeking to politicise the issue of public sector pay and the proper funding of public sector services,” he said.
“Workers face an 11% real-terms pay cut, that is not something that should be leveraged in negotiations or made a divisive issue. Adequate funding for public transport and for a cost-of-living increase for workers is something that must be provided by right.”
In a statement, Translink said none of its bus or train services will operate today due to industrial action, and full timetables will resume on Saturday.
“We remain fully committed to entering constructive pay negotiations. However, this can only be done once the budget issue has been resolved,” they said.
“This situation impacts all public sector workers and needs to be resolved at the Northern Ireland Executive level.
“We have urged our colleagues to reconsider and pause this action in light of the social and economic impact it will have at this time.
“Passenger information is available through the media, on the website, through social media, in stations, and on buses and trains. The contact centre will also remain open 028 90 666630.
“We apologise to all our passengers for any inconvenience this may cause.”
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Good for them. We all need a cost of living increase, except for offshore millionaires. They’re absolutely right to ask for this. Too many people complaining when they fail to do anything about it. Join a union and speak up. Support others. A rising tide should lift all boats.
@F Fitzgerald: they are in a union, the UNITE union. Did you read the article?
@Seamus Dunne: I did, and I support them. The people griping about the strike seem crushed by begrudgery, though. I’m suggesting that we could do more to help each other than the predictable slating of cooperative efforts. Prices have shot up and wages have stagnated.
Are they all going bowling for the day.
They should spare a thought for other people
Honestly, they are thinking of others here. Someone who has to take on extra jobs to make ends meet is only managing alone as best they can. Someone who negotiates a pay rise for themselves alone is only thinking of themselves. Unionise and be more inclusive.
Stubborn people they are, way too much for the country.
Unionists need to cop on and get the country going again its been way too long now.
And look what happens, a strike on the busiest Friday of the year 3 days before Christmas.
Well done yiz must be proud
have your say