Over 10,000 NI civil servants to strike
Government workers take action on Friday in row over pay and conditions
Last updated 25th Jul 2019
Widespread disruption is set to affect public services on Friday, as over 10,000 civil servants are set to strike.
A leading trade union said over 80% of its members voted to strike after an 'unacceptable' pay rise of 1.25%.
According to NIPSA, this is the ninth-year-running that civil servants have received a below-inflation pay-rise and a recent change to terms and conditions of employment 'without proper and meaningful consultation.'
Alison Millar is the General Secretary:
"Following a statutory ballot of members in the Northern Ireland Civil Service and their Arms Length Bodies, NIPSA has served notice on the employers that industrial action will commence on Friday 26 July with a one day strike.
"This is not a decision our members took lightly however our members are angry that they have received, for the 9th year running a below inflation pay increase.
"In addition their terms and conditions of employment are under attack."
Services like social security offices, the courts, prison staff and vehicle testing and road maintenance will all be affected.
While Mrs Millar acknowledged the disruption, she said workers have been left with no choice:
"This disruption is not at the hands of our members, this disruption can be called off by proper engagement with the management side.
"This is not something that our members want to do, they want to be delivering public services but they've been forced into this position."
Rallies will also take place at Grosvenor Hall in Belfast and the City Hotel in Londonderry.
Responding, a spokesman for the Department of Finance said efforts will be made to ensure that essential services will continue to be delivered.
"Following extensive negotiations with Trade Unions on the 2018 pay award they rejected the pay offer made,'' he said.
"DoF believes the pay award is fair in the context of the challenging financial environment the Northern Ireland Civil Service is operating in with finite resources available and increasing pressures.
"The pay award to non-industrial civil servants is worth 2.05% of NICS pay bill with the cost of this award being around £16.4 million.
"DoF is keen to tackle low pay in the NICS and so the pay award includes a larger increase of 3% at Administrative Assistant and analogous grades, with all others receiving a 1.25% uplift as well as any progression payment due.
"The NICS is seeking to ensure essential services continue to be delivered during the planned industrial action which is being taken by NIPSA from 26th July."