THOUSANDS of health care workers will take to picket lines across Northern Ireland today in "pursuit of pay justice".

Members of Unite and Unison trade unions are involved in the industrial action as part of a continuing dispute over pay and conditions.

In December, members of Unison, Nipsa and GMB formed picket lines at hospitals and other health service facilities. Hundreds of appointments and services were also affected before Christmas, after the Royal College of Nursing took part in two 12-hour strikes in Northern Ireland.

Anne Speed from UNISON NI said thousands of healthcare staff "will withdraw from their workplaces in pursuit of pay justice".

Health workers from @UniteunionNI on strike outside the Royal Victoria Hospital this morning. @irish_news pic.twitter.com/OgmZhjeAy9

— Allan Preston (@AllanPreston) January 26, 2023

"It is an appalling situation when trade unions willing to negotiate have all doors closed to them," she said.

"It is therefore inevitable that this action today is happening.

"Health workers cannot stand idly by or stay silent. And why should they?"

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said around 4,000 of its members will join the strike action, which was an "absolute last resort".

Paramedics, health assistants and security workers among those out on strike today in Belfast. @irish_news pic.twitter.com/KVv40SVLLh

— Allan Preston (@AllanPreston) January 26, 2023

"Our members are seeing the NHS eroded before their eyes and patients’ lives are being placed at risk due to chronic underfunding," she said.

"In the absence of a functioning Stormont executive, the responsibility for this strike lies squarely with Rishi Sunak who has failed to show leadership and ensure that NHS bosses made a realistic offer to the workers who keep our health and social care services running."

Unite also has notified employers they take further strike action on February 16, 17, 23 and 24.