Menu
17/07/2002
Province hit by public workers decision to strike
Council workers throughout the province have gone on strike over the issue of a pay offer which is being disputed by five of the biggest unions in the UK.
Library services, refuse collection and even flights have been affected by the one-day show of industrial action, which centred around a 3% pay offer that the unions involved have rejected as inadequate. Workers turned out in force on Wednesday to voice their desire for a 6% pay rise, which would see the lowest paid council worker's salary rise to £11,000 a year.
Rallies were held in Belfast city centre, at Derry's Guildhall and at the Mall in Armagh, as over 1 million workers voted for industrial action. Picket lines were also in place outside libraries and council offices in many other areas.
The strike follows last month's move by local government workers to support a series of one-day stoppages, with today's event being the first of such incidents. This is the first national council workers' strike since the 1979 Winter of Discontent, which severely weakened the Labour Government of the time.
Commenting on the event, Belfast Sinn Fein councillor, Michael Brown said: "Many of these workers already find themselves amongst the lowest paid in our communities. It is not unreasonable to expect that the invaluable contribution made by those who deliver vital services is properly remunerated."
Joe Donaghy of Unison, one of the unions involved in the action, added: "This display of support from trade union members for today's action sends a clear message to the employer." (CL)
Library services, refuse collection and even flights have been affected by the one-day show of industrial action, which centred around a 3% pay offer that the unions involved have rejected as inadequate. Workers turned out in force on Wednesday to voice their desire for a 6% pay rise, which would see the lowest paid council worker's salary rise to £11,000 a year.
Rallies were held in Belfast city centre, at Derry's Guildhall and at the Mall in Armagh, as over 1 million workers voted for industrial action. Picket lines were also in place outside libraries and council offices in many other areas.
The strike follows last month's move by local government workers to support a series of one-day stoppages, with today's event being the first of such incidents. This is the first national council workers' strike since the 1979 Winter of Discontent, which severely weakened the Labour Government of the time.
Commenting on the event, Belfast Sinn Fein councillor, Michael Brown said: "Many of these workers already find themselves amongst the lowest paid in our communities. It is not unreasonable to expect that the invaluable contribution made by those who deliver vital services is properly remunerated."
Joe Donaghy of Unison, one of the unions involved in the action, added: "This display of support from trade union members for today's action sends a clear message to the employer." (CL)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
24 May 2021
Hovis Workers Agree Increased Pay Offer
A majority of Hovis workers have accepted an increased pay offer and strike action has now ended. Unite the union welcomed the offer and said it was as "decisive victory for workforce achieved through collective organisation and industrial militancy".
Hovis Workers Agree Increased Pay Offer
A majority of Hovis workers have accepted an increased pay offer and strike action has now ended. Unite the union welcomed the offer and said it was as "decisive victory for workforce achieved through collective organisation and industrial militancy".
05 August 2021
Nine NI Firms Fined For Underpaying Workers
Nine Northern Irish businesses are amongst 191 UK businesses to be "named and shamed" for underpaying their employees. Following investigations by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, a total of £2.1 million was found to be owed to over 34,000 workers. The breaches took place between 2011 and 2018.
Nine NI Firms Fined For Underpaying Workers
Nine Northern Irish businesses are amongst 191 UK businesses to be "named and shamed" for underpaying their employees. Following investigations by Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, a total of £2.1 million was found to be owed to over 34,000 workers. The breaches took place between 2011 and 2018.
30 November 2023
Austerity Budget Blamed For Bus And Rail Strike
An austerity budget imposed by Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris, has been blamed for the first bus and rail strike in Northern Ireland since 2015. Translink NI workers with Unite, GMB and SIPTU will begin a 24-hour, network wide, strike from midnight tonight, in a pay dispute.
Austerity Budget Blamed For Bus And Rail Strike
An austerity budget imposed by Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Chris Heaton-Harris, has been blamed for the first bus and rail strike in Northern Ireland since 2015. Translink NI workers with Unite, GMB and SIPTU will begin a 24-hour, network wide, strike from midnight tonight, in a pay dispute.
10 September 2002
MLA's call for new firefighters pay scheme
Two UUP MLA's have called on the Northern Ireland Executive to implement a new pay scheme for Ulster's firefighters. North Antrim UUP MLA the Rev Robert Coulter called for the introduction of a new pay formula in a motion to the Assembly on Monday. Mr Coulter said he hoped it would help achieve a real remedy to the question of firefighter’s pay.
MLA's call for new firefighters pay scheme
Two UUP MLA's have called on the Northern Ireland Executive to implement a new pay scheme for Ulster's firefighters. North Antrim UUP MLA the Rev Robert Coulter called for the introduction of a new pay formula in a motion to the Assembly on Monday. Mr Coulter said he hoped it would help achieve a real remedy to the question of firefighter’s pay.
31 August 2022
Staff At Lisburn & Castlereagh Council To Take Strike Action Over Pay
Staff at Lisburn & Castlereagh Council are also to take strike action after bosses failed to deliver a pay rise. Unite the union has notified the council of continuous strike action starting on 06 September.
Staff At Lisburn & Castlereagh Council To Take Strike Action Over Pay
Staff at Lisburn & Castlereagh Council are also to take strike action after bosses failed to deliver a pay rise. Unite the union has notified the council of continuous strike action starting on 06 September.
-
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.
