[Northern Ireland] Public transport unions will escalate strike action in February

On January 22, the UK’s three public transport trade unions - Unite, GMB and SIPTU - notified Translink of further planned strike action in Northern Ireland on February 1. It will be the first of a likely four further days of strike action to be taken in February, Unite the Union reports.

The notification is a step-up in industrial action from bus and rail workers who are demanding that Chris Heaton-Harris - the secretary of state for Northern Ireland - release funding for public transport services and allow a cost of living pay increase. 

Sharon Graham - Unite general secretary - said, “Last week’s strike action in Northern Ireland represented an historic mobilisation of workers demanding Chris Heaton-Harris release funds to provide a pay increase for public service workers.

“In the absence of any movement on pay, public transport workers have been left with no alternative but to escalate their strike action with further strikes. They can be assured of the continued support of Unite in that fight.”

Peter Macklin - GMB regional organiser - said, “Chris Heaton-Harris’ behaviour to date to workers, our public services and indeed the public has been nothing short of disgraceful. His attempts to weaponise the funding of public services and pay have backfired leaving him increasingly isolated.

“He is solely responsible for the current wave of strike action – he must release the funds which he is withholding from workers and public services.”

Niall McNally - SIPTU regional organiser - said, “Public transport workers demand the release of the funds needed for a cost of living pay increase.

“Workplace reps have unanimously agreed an escalated schedule of industrial action including four further days of strikes in February. The three unions are also seeking to coordinate our action with that of the wider trade union movement to keep the maximum pressure on Chris Heaton-Harris so that we can win for workers and our public services.”

Source: Unite the Union

(Quotes via original reporting)

On January 22, the UK’s three public transport trade unions - Unite, GMB and SIPTU - notified Translink of further planned strike action in Northern Ireland on February 1. It will be the first of a likely four further days of strike action to be taken in February, Unite the Union reports.

The notification is a step-up in industrial action from bus and rail workers who are demanding that Chris Heaton-Harris - the secretary of state for Northern Ireland - release funding for public transport services and allow a cost of living pay increase. 

Sharon Graham - Unite general secretary - said, “Last week’s strike action in Northern Ireland represented an historic mobilisation of workers demanding Chris Heaton-Harris release funds to provide a pay increase for public service workers.

“In the absence of any movement on pay, public transport workers have been left with no alternative but to escalate their strike action with further strikes. They can be assured of the continued support of Unite in that fight.”

Peter Macklin - GMB regional organiser - said, “Chris Heaton-Harris’ behaviour to date to workers, our public services and indeed the public has been nothing short of disgraceful. His attempts to weaponise the funding of public services and pay have backfired leaving him increasingly isolated.

“He is solely responsible for the current wave of strike action – he must release the funds which he is withholding from workers and public services.”

Niall McNally - SIPTU regional organiser - said, “Public transport workers demand the release of the funds needed for a cost of living pay increase.

“Workplace reps have unanimously agreed an escalated schedule of industrial action including four further days of strikes in February. The three unions are also seeking to coordinate our action with that of the wider trade union movement to keep the maximum pressure on Chris Heaton-Harris so that we can win for workers and our public services.”

Source: Unite the Union

(Quotes via original reporting)