Transport workers to strike again next month

THE major unions that represent Translink staff will stage another four days of strike action next month.

In a joint statement, Unite, GMB and Siptu announced the first of these will be on February 1.

During previous strikes Translink were forced to halt bus and train services.

The trade unions have called for the Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris to release funds to allow Stormont departments to pass on pay awards.

Mr Heaton-Harris has said he has no legal power to release the money himself as it is a devolved matter.

Peter Macklin, GMB Regional Organiser, said, “Chris Heaton-Harris’ behaviour towards to workers, 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.”

SIPTU regional organiser Niall McNally said the three unions were, “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”.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham 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.”