Public sector transport workers in NI striking over pay

More than 2,500 public sector transport workers across Northern Ireland are taking part in strike action today, despite the prospect of a devolved government with the power to settle their pay dispute being restored this weekend.

It is the sixth day of industrial action by transport workers since December and they have warned that further action is possible.

Those on strike are members of the GMB, Unite and SIPTU unions.

Around 800 Unite members employed by the Education Authority as non-teaching staff are also taking industrial action.

They include school bus transport staff, school caterers, administration staff and classroom assistants.

Business representatives had urged the unions to suspend the action following the DUP’s announcement on Tuesday morning that it is preparing to go back into power-sharing.

Industry body Retail NI called for the strike to be abandoned “as a gesture of good will”.

Legislation to implement an agreement between the DUP and British government aimed at restoring devolution is expected to be passed in the House of Commons today.

The text of the agreement was published yesterday.

A meeting of the Stormont Assembly to appoint a First and Deputy First Minister and other members of the Executive is planned for Saturday.

“Regardless of the latest developments at Stormont, our members are still facing the prospect of a 0% offer made last year being imposed,” said Peter Macklin, GMB Regional Organiser.

“A few years ago, these workers were being hailed as frontline heroes. They deserve better and they are ready and willing to strike to secure it.

“At any point, if a meaningful pay offer is received then that is something our members will consider and respond to appropriately but in the absence of any movement we have no alternative but to proceed with the planned action.”

The trade unions have been urging Northern Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris to release funds promised by the UK government to settle the pay dispute, but he has said it is conditional on the return of a devolved administration.

David Thompson from Unite said that “until there is government in Northern Ireland, there is no government in Northern Ireland” and that the DUP decision was not enough for the strike to be called off.

Stormont’s Department of Infrastructure has warned the public to expect delays and to allow extra time for their journeys.