27/10/2006

Strangford ferry suspended due to strike action

The Strangford Lough Ferry Service has been suspended today due to a one-day strike by the crew.

The 16-crew members who operate the ferry between the villages of Strangford and Portaferry, claim that they are being paid thousands of pounds less than others doing the same type of job.

It is understood that the crew have been involved in a number of discussions with the Department of Regional Development, over the pay dispute for the last three years, however they now feel that the DRD are not taking them seriously.

The Department has said that it was disappointed that the action was being taken just three weeks before the outcome of a review into structure and grading is published.

(EF)

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