Laura Sharman 18 November 2020

District council workers agree to strike next month

Up to 1,000 workers at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are set to strike following a row about pay and conditions.

Four trade unions - Unite, GMB, NIPSA and SIPTU – said staff will strike in the run-up to Christmas after the council’s chief executive failed to deal with the workers’ concerns or meet directly with the union representatives.

A statement said: ‘Council workers are aware that COVID-19 has made 2020 a really hard year for the community in Newry, Mourne and Down. It is with regret that we are being forced to take this action in order to improve our pay and protect our terms and conditions.

’Although there will be limited action in December, our members will be escalating the dispute if the issues are not resolved, in January 2021. It is in the management’s hands to resolve this dispute.’

The council said it had been working with the trade union over a period of time, and its chief executive has attended a series of meetings with them.

A statement from the council said: 'Taking into account the impact of COVID-19, the council has been considering the implementation of a voluntary severance scheme which would offer a generous redundancy package well above statutory redundancy pay. Along with an enhanced redundancy payment, those employees aged over 55 but below normal retirement age will also receive their remaining pension benefits if they are accepted for voluntary redundancy.

'At the same time, the council has a responsibility to spend public money in the most responsible manner possible, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic when public finances are stretched, and the private sector is contracting and experiencing significant unemployment.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist

Oxfordshire County Council
£62215 - £72293
How about joining The Clinical Team at Oxfordshire County Council in our new Community Family Clinic initiative? Oxford
Recuriter: Oxfordshire County Council

Traffic Management Officer - WMF2114e

Westmorland and Furness Council
£37,035 - £37,938
Are you an experienced and motivated professional looking to take the next step in your traffic management career? Cumbria / Various
Recuriter: Westmorland and Furness Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£16,415.00 - £16,675.23 Grade 4, 24.5 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Peripatetic Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£14,070.00 - £14,293.05 Grade 4, 21 hours, Permanent
Are you caring, compassionate, and friendly? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Recruitment Support Officer

Durham County Council
£25,584 to £27,711 p.a. (Grade 5) pay award pending
We are looking for a Recruitment Support Officer to join our team on a temporary basis until 31 March 2026. In this role, you will provide a comprehe Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner