Pension strike action hits Northern Ireland

Around 50,000 public sector workers are taking part in an official one-day strike across Northern Ireland in a protest against changes to pension plans.

Some 1.5 million workers right across the UK are expected to take part in today's industrial action which is in opposition to government plans to change the retirement age from 60 to 65.

As from this morning, all bus and rail services have been cancelled, resulting in a number of schools in the province having to close due to pupils being unable to make their way to school.

However, the Western Education and Library Board provided school board-operated buses to ensure that the majority of their pupils made it into lessons.

The strike has also affected the provision of school dinners for the duration of the action.

Today's transport strike has caused delays in some parts of the province, however it is understood that there has not been as much traffic disruption as previously expected.

Permission has been granted for bus lanes to be used by all traffic for one day only, in an attempt to lessen traffic congestion.

While many Leisure Centres have remained closed today, it is understood that some will continue to operate on a reduced service.

Bin collection services have been disrupted and local councils are making alternative arrangements.

Around 2,000 public sector workers have taken part in a rally at Belfast City Hall, and several other rallies were also held throughout the province, including Derry, Omagh and Enniskillen.

Unions taking part in today's action include NIPSA, SIPTU, Unison, ATGWU, TSSA, TGWU and Amicus.

(EF/SP)