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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."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A dry and sunny start but cloud bubbling up with a few showers developing from late morning. Becoming dry and sunny along the east coast in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Showers gradually die out to leave good clear spells in the evening and overnight. This will allow a few fog patches to develop in places. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
