Bus, train and Glider services across Northern Ireland will be disrupted again next week amid a continuing row over pay, three unions have confirmed.
Translink workers belonging to Unite, GMB and Siptu are planning four further days of strike action next month with the first walkout to take place on February 1.
Up to 25,000 bus and rail workers are set to strike with a further three dates of February 15, 27 and 28 mooted.
The unions said on Tuesday that workers will “walk out in anger” that funding for public transport services to allow a cost of living pay increase has not been released by the Northern Ireland secretary of state.
Chris Heaton-Harris has promised parties a £3.3 billion financial package, including provision for public sector pay, if the Executive is restored.
But he 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.
“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.”
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 last Thursday over pay, conditions and for better funding of services.
Translink said it remained fully committed to entering constructive pay negotiations.
“However, this can only be done once the Northern Ireland budget issue has been resolved at an NI Executive level,” it said.
“We have urged our colleagues to reconsider this industrial action that will unfortunately further disrupt bus and rail services that so many of our passengers rely on and exacerbate the financial pressures on Translink.
“It is anticipated there will be further industrial action on 15th, 27th and 28th February. Once we have formal notification of these dates by our unions we will update the public.”
