Strike action by Housing Executive workers is set to continue as no agreement has been reached between management and workers over pay.
Concern is growing over a backlog of maintenance work due to be carried out on homes ahead of the winter months.
Hundreds of workers represented by Unite the Union have been on strike for the last three weeks. The notice to management states they are prepared to stay off the job for a further four weeks from next Monday.
The dispute is linked to the 2021/22 pay deal, with the worker rejecting the national pay offer of 1.75% a year.
They are seeking a lump sum of £500 and for all workers’ wages to be increased by two pay points. The lowest paid workers on strike earn less than £10 an hour while the highest including trained electricians on approximately £15.
A spokesperson for the Housing Executive previously said that "during this period of industrial action we will seek to ensure that any impact on customer service is minimised.”
The Department for Communities has overall responsibility for signing off on any deal but no proposals have been brought to Minister Deirdre Hargey or her officials.
In a written Assembly answer, Minister Hargey said: “I am aware Housing Executive workers are taking strike action and the Housing Executive is continuing to negotiate with Trade Unions. I would urge those involved in these negotiations to work urgently to find an agreed resolution.”
