Menu
18/01/2024
Thousands Of Public Sector Workers Begin Strike Action
Northern Ireland's largest strike in around 50 years has gotten underway today, 18 January.
Around 170,000 public sector workers are taking part in the industrial action.
Members from over 15 unions including health, education and transport workers are taking part in the day of mass industrial action.
The disruption is within health, education, transport and roads. All schools have been closed, no buses or trains will be operating and health services have been significantly reduced.
The strikes are due to ongoing pay disputes.
Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) assistant general secretary Gerry Murphy said: "The Secretary of State's strategy has clearly failed and it has failed the people of Northern Ireland.
"The trade union movement have won the popular argument, as witnessed by the support we have seen from women's groups, the voluntary sector, students’ unions, the 50 chief executives in the public sector, the PSNI Chief Constable and the head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the public at large."
Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris said it was "regrettable" that the Stormont Assembly had not been resurrected to access funds to facilitate public sector pay rises.
He said: "Today's strike will be disruptive for people across Northern Ireland. I understand the serious concerns that people across Northern Ireland have about the impact this action will have on vital public services.
"While public sector pay is devolved, the UK Government has offered a fair and generous package worth over £3bn which would address public sector pay and provides more than £1bn to stabilise public services.
"This will require ministers being back to work in Stormont so that decisions on governing can be taken in the round."
Around 170,000 public sector workers are taking part in the industrial action.
Members from over 15 unions including health, education and transport workers are taking part in the day of mass industrial action.
The disruption is within health, education, transport and roads. All schools have been closed, no buses or trains will be operating and health services have been significantly reduced.
The strikes are due to ongoing pay disputes.
Irish Congress of Trade Unions (Ictu) assistant general secretary Gerry Murphy said: "The Secretary of State's strategy has clearly failed and it has failed the people of Northern Ireland.
"The trade union movement have won the popular argument, as witnessed by the support we have seen from women's groups, the voluntary sector, students’ unions, the 50 chief executives in the public sector, the PSNI Chief Constable and the head of the Northern Ireland Civil Service and the public at large."
Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris said it was "regrettable" that the Stormont Assembly had not been resurrected to access funds to facilitate public sector pay rises.
He said: "Today's strike will be disruptive for people across Northern Ireland. I understand the serious concerns that people across Northern Ireland have about the impact this action will have on vital public services.
"While public sector pay is devolved, the UK Government has offered a fair and generous package worth over £3bn which would address public sector pay and provides more than £1bn to stabilise public services.
"This will require ministers being back to work in Stormont so that decisions on governing can be taken in the round."
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 November 2023
UK Govt Urged To 'Do More' To Support Public Sector Workers
Sinn Féin has called on the UK government to "do more" to fully support public sector workers and services. The party's economy spokesperson, MLA Conor Murphy, said: "Once again, the Tories have continued with their cruel agenda of austerity with more real term cuts to funding for public services and less money for pay.
UK Govt Urged To 'Do More' To Support Public Sector Workers
Sinn Féin has called on the UK government to "do more" to fully support public sector workers and services. The party's economy spokesperson, MLA Conor Murphy, said: "Once again, the Tories have continued with their cruel agenda of austerity with more real term cuts to funding for public services and less money for pay.
27 June 2013
NIPSA Slam Chancellor's Budget Cuts
Public sector trade union, NIPSA, has criticised Chancellor George Osborne following Wednesday afternoon's Spending Review. Yesterday, Mr Osborne revealed Northern Ireland's budget for the year 2015/16 is to be cut by 2% to £9.6bn.
NIPSA Slam Chancellor's Budget Cuts
Public sector trade union, NIPSA, has criticised Chancellor George Osborne following Wednesday afternoon's Spending Review. Yesterday, Mr Osborne revealed Northern Ireland's budget for the year 2015/16 is to be cut by 2% to £9.6bn.
10 July 2014
Strike Action Taken Across NI
Public sector workers in Northern Ireland are taking part in a one-day strike across the UK today. The action involves tens of thousands of people across the regions, including civil servants, teachers and local government staff. In all, six unions are striking in Northern Ireland: NIPSA, UNISON, UNITE, GMB, SIPTU, and PCS.
Strike Action Taken Across NI
Public sector workers in Northern Ireland are taking part in a one-day strike across the UK today. The action involves tens of thousands of people across the regions, including civil servants, teachers and local government staff. In all, six unions are striking in Northern Ireland: NIPSA, UNISON, UNITE, GMB, SIPTU, and PCS.
29 November 2011
NI Set To Grind To A Halt As Strike Bites
All public transport, including trains and buses and many local services such as refuse collection are all to grind to a halt at midnight tonight as one of the largest UK-wide strikes in recent years kick-off.
NI Set To Grind To A Halt As Strike Bites
All public transport, including trains and buses and many local services such as refuse collection are all to grind to a halt at midnight tonight as one of the largest UK-wide strikes in recent years kick-off.
16 February 2024
£688m Announced For Public Sector Pay Awards
£688 million has been announced to prioritise public sector pay awards, Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has announced. The allocation was part of the £1.045bn available from the Executive Restoration package for general pressures and pay in 2023-24. Some £22 million of resource funding was also available from the Executive’s own funds.
£688m Announced For Public Sector Pay Awards
£688 million has been announced to prioritise public sector pay awards, Finance Minister, Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA has announced. The allocation was part of the £1.045bn available from the Executive Restoration package for general pressures and pay in 2023-24. Some £22 million of resource funding was also available from the Executive’s own funds.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
