A 'complete shutdown' warned as Civil Servant are balloted over potential strike action
It's over what's been described as a 'degrading' pay offer
GMB, NIPSA and Unite will commence a ballot for industrial action across all NI Civil Service Departments and Arms’ Length Bodies.
The action is being forced by a derisory and insulting pay offer from the Department of Finance which will see most Civil Servants receive less than 2%.
Unions made clear that the offer is derisory and insulting and with inflation at 10.5% it represents a massive pay cut of more than 8.5%.
The ballot opened yesterday February and closes on 2 March and all unions expect a significant YES vote for action. Industrial action is likely to commence in mid-March.
The serious nature of this situation is reflected in the decision by the trade unions to coordinate their action for the first time. They will also coordinate action with other public and private sector workers taking similar action over pay.
Carmel Gates, NIPSA General Secretary, on behalf of the joint Trade Union Side said,
“Our members are angry at how they are being treated. This is a real kick in the teeth for Civil Servants. With inflation in double figures this is a huge pay cut.
Two-thirds of our members earn below the UK median wage and many rely on benefits to try to make ends meet.
It is entirely unacceptable to treat workers who were classed as essential workers during the pandemic in this way.
MPs gave themselves a £2,212 pay rise while our members are being offered £552 which is a quarter of that.”