Northern Ireland

Strike: Further action by public transport workers expected next week

Public sector workers who are on strike gather at the Belfast City Hall for a rally. PICTURE MAL MCCANN
Public sector workers rally Public sector workers pictured taking part in a rally at Belfast City Hall. PICTURE: MAL MCCANN (Mal McCann)

Further strike action by public transport workers is expected to take place next week in an ongoing row over pay.

It is understood that February 1 has been scheduled as the next day of action with members of three unions, Unite, GMB and Siptu, due to take part.

Bus, train and Glider drivers will be impacted by the strike action, which is expected to begin at midnight.

A further three dates for strikes have also been mooted - February 15, 27 and 28.

A Translink spokesperson told The Irish News on Monday: “Translink is awaiting formal confirmation of further planned industrial action by unions UNITE, GMB and SIPTU.

“At this stage this is expected to take place on Thursday 1st February 2024 with the result there will be no bus or train services operating.

“There has been no formal notification of any other dates at this time”.



Train and bus services have been halted across Northern Ireland several times over recent months as unions continue their industrial action.

Just last week members were among tens of thousands of public sector workers from 16 unions to take part in a mass walk-out.

Health, education and transport workers were among those involved in the day of action on Thursday over pay, conditions and for better funding of services.

Trade union leaders last week had warned of further strike action in the weeks ahead unless Northern Ireland secretary of state Chris Heaton-Harris releases funds to settle the public sector pay disputes.

Gerry Murphy, Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) assistant general secretary, said workers would continue to strive for wage levels that matched their counterparts in Britain.

“It’s quite clear that public sector workers’ demand for fair pay is not going away,” he said.

“If we don’t receive a fair and decent pay offer it’s likely further action will be taken.”

Public sector workers in the march to Guildhall Square in Derry. PICTURE: MARGARET MCLAUGHLIN
Public sector workers in the march to Guildhall Square in Derry last Thursday. PICTURE: MARGARET MCLAUGHLIN

On Friday, union officials met to discuss the next steps in their industrial campaign.

In a message to union members, officials said: “If there isn’t a resolution we’ll be ready to continue our industrial action until there is”.

Roads and forestry service workers are continuing their week-long strike action, which is due to last until this Wednesday.