13/05/2022

Translink 'Start To Take Difficult Decisions' In Strike Preparation

Translink NI has said that it is "disappointed" that its drivers have rejected a pay offer and voted to take unprecedented industrial action from Tuesday 17th May to 23rd May.

The public transport company said: "Following extensive negotiations, we made a further substantial offer for 2021, including an enhanced package of conditions, that we believe is fair and reasonable. At this stage, having exhausted all options, we will start to take the difficult decisions in preparing for the impact of the strike action. However, we remain committed to working with the unions to avert this action.

"We have reached out and would welcome the opportunity to engage with unions to cover school duties, so that the wellbeing of schoolchildren can remain a priority, particularly as many enter the exam period.

"All train services will continue to operate as normal. We will continue to communicate updated information through usual channels.

"Translink apologise for any inconvenience this may cause."

Expressing her support for the bus drivers' fight for improved pay, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: "Unite bus drivers in Translink and Ulsterbus have increasing bills to pay like everyone else.

"The employers have to grasp that with inflation reaching levels unprecedented in a generation, these workers deserve pay that protects them from the living cost crisis and they have Unite's full support as they take strike action."

The strike action will involve members of both Unite the union and the GMB, whose members also rejected the latest pay offer.

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