Council strike action on hold as new intense talks on pay begin

Strike action in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has been paused after last ditch talks led to management agreeing to get back round the table.
By Joanne Knox
Published 5th Aug 2022, 14:52 BST
Updated 5th Aug 2022, 15:01 BST
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GMB union confirmed strikes are on hold for new intense talks on pay to begin.

The fresh talks will be facilitated by the LRA (Labour Relations Agency).

The joint unions (GMB, UNITE and NIPSA) met yesterday (Thursday) with local councillors of all major parties and UUP leader Doug Beattie as the local MLA.

Strike action was due to begin next Wednesday (10 August).

The planned action would have ‘closed down’ the council, impacting services such as bin collections, planning and leisure.

Alan Perry, GMB regional organiser, said: “Working people deserve fair pay in the midst of the worst cost of living crisis for decades.

“We are hopeful that these new talks will lead to meaningful shifts from management. As such, we have paused our strike action.

“I’d like to thank the local councillors and MLA for their supportive work on this,” he added.

Related topics:Craigavon Borough CouncilBanbridgeArmagh CityGMBDoug Beattie