No ice-skating or bowling at Dundonald Ice Bowl as council strikes begin
Council strikes are starting at Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council
Bin collections, street cleaning, leisure facilities, and other services are going to be impacted by strikes starting today at Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council.
Dundonald International Ice Bowl says there'll temporarily be no ice-skating or tenpin bowling either; although Indiana Land, the Clip n’ Climb, and Escapade will open as normal.
Council workers, backed by unions, are demanding a pay rise that keeps up with cost of living increases.
A statement from Unite the Union’s General Secretary Sharon Graham said, “With retail price inflation now above 12 percent and forecast to rise to 18 percent by the end of the year – workers are organising to win pay increases that provide real protection against the cost of living crisis. Unite is fighting to win inflation-plus pay increases for many of our members in many workplaces.”
“While bosses at other councils have moved to offer decent pay increases and end strike action – those at Lisburn and Castlereagh have failed to make any offer at all. This leaves the workers there with no option but to strike. The Unite members at Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council can be confident that they have the full support of my union.”
Unite regional officer for Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council Kieran Ellison said,“Unite members in the councils worked throughout the pandemic, they kept vital services going but now they are being treated appallingly by council bosses who want them to accept a huge cut to their incomes. That is never going to be accepted. Council bosses and the councillors in this council need to look to the example of other councils where this dispute has already been ended through an offer that protects the income of our members.”
In a statement Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council said, “A national pay offer for 2022/23 of a salary increase of £1,925 for all staff on NJC terms and conditions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is currently with the trade unions for consideration. The national pay offer is in response to requests by the Trade Union side of the NJC (namely Unite, Unison and GMB) dealing with national living wage challenges and inflationary pressures (cost of living). If agreed, this represents an average increase of over 7.7% with staff at the lowest grade receiving an uplift of over 10%. In addition, this offer includes an increase of one day to employees’ annual leave entitlement from 1 April 2023”
“At a local level the Council’s recognised trade unions, UNITE, NIPSA and GMB have made additional demands of Lisburn and Castlereagh Council that are over and above the national Trade Union demands. It is clear that anything over the national pay offer will create additional significant local financial pressure which will inevitably lead to increased charges for council services and may lead to a significant increase in rates. Our Elected Members are currently considering what is feasible and sustainable.”
“The local pay demands from unions, on top of the national pay offer in addition to the rising cost of energy, gas and other pressures council faces could lead to an increase of more than 10% on the district rate element of rates bills for households going forward.”
“The council has always had a positive working relationship with our trade union colleagues and whilst disappointed at the action notified by Unite the Union, we are keen to continue to work to address this matter and minimise the impact on our residents and service user”
Residents are being advised to check the council's website for updates