Strike action on Thursday to have 'huge impact' on public.
Thousands of public sectors are staging a mass walking out this Thursday in an on-going dispute over pay.
Last updated 15th Jan 2024
Thousands of public sectors are staging a mass walk out this Thursday in an on-going dispute over pay.
Before Christmas, the UK government offered a £3.3bn financial package, should government return to Stormont.
However, the DUP said more work is needed to be done before power-sharing is restored.
Today, Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris is speaking with party leaders at Hillsborough Castle.
Speaking to Cool FM/Downtown ahead of industrial action on Thursday, Senior Organiser for GMB Union Alan Perry, said the mass walkout will be ‘unprecedented’.
“The fact is there’s over 15 trade unions representing hundreds and thousands of members right across Northern Ireland. Different sectors are all coming together to take part in industrial action on the same day.”
He went on to say: “It’s going to be something we’ve never seen before.” Mr Perry said the industrial action could be avoided and it’s not what members want, but they have no other choice.
Mr Perry stated his frustration that the Secretary of State has indicated that there is money available… “Whether or not that money is enough to deal with the issues, I’m not 100% sure because we haven’t seen the details. But he’s clearly indicated unless Stormont is up and running, there will be no money in our members pockets, hence why we’re being used as political pawns.”
He described how Thursday “will have a huge impact on the public. It’s regrettable there must be an impact on the public. Ultimately it could all be avoided, hence why we would be asking the Secretary of State to release the funds now.”
When asking about his thoughts regarding the talks today, Mr Perry said: “We all want a functioning executive. We’d rather be dealing with executive ministers and political parties. We would ask that a resolution is found, and it is found quickly so we can put this behind us, move forward, and everyone can get on with their daily lives.”
Mr Perry said he remains hopeful. However, if nothing change soon, there is potential for further industrial action. He said the industrial action on Thursday will highlight just how much we rely on public sectors here and how much their members do daily.
Join us on air at the top of the hour for more: https://planetradio.co.uk/cool-fm/player/