Derry councillor calls for 'all-out strike' on January 18

Translink workers and Health Service Business Services Organisation, along with workers across the public sector are facing "punishing pay cuts", according to Derry City and Strabane District councillor Shaun Harkin (People Before Profit).

Cllr Harkin added: "However, they have refused to be bullied into submission by the Tory Secretary of State and those attempting to whip-up a frenzy against trade union action.

"By refusing to immediately release funding that he has made clear is available, the Secretary of State is once again punishing workers, communities and public services but not the DUP.

"The trade union movement is absolutely right to organise a public sector general strike on January 18, 2024, to demand pay increases, funding for public services and an end to cruel budget cuts. 

"Trade union members have long been calling for coordinated all-out and sustained action - and will not be used as a prop to allow the DUP to justify ending its selfish Stormont veto," said Cllr Harkin.

He said: "The Secretary of State and any incoming Stormont Executive Ministers must be sent the message there will be no return to business as usual.

"We have not forgotten how horrendous Stormont's record has been on workers pay, public service funding, trade union rights and a lot more. 

"Whether there's a deal to restore Stormont or not, we need make it clear January 18 is a mass strike to show we are determined and prepared to escalate action for fair pay, and to save our hospitals, our schools and our public transport network. 

"Everyone should support the strike call and start organising now for massive demonstrations of public support on January 18. We say all-out on January 18."