Infrastructure Minister, John O’Dowd has this evening, Monday 5th February, welcomed the suspension of the transport strike on 15 February 2024.
Following the publication of a letter from the Northern Ireland Executive to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) Assistant General Secretary Gerry Murphy said:
"It is clear to us that the money is now available to settle pay claims across the entire public sector. The financial package makes available money for public sector pay this year and also provides further funding allocations to deal with both outstanding pay issues and reform measures such as re-grading."
Speaking after a meeting with the Minister for Finance Caoimhe Archibald this afternoon, Mr. Murphy added:
"The minister made clear to us that public sector pay was an immediate priority for her and her department.
"We welcome the Minister’s commitment to settle these disputes as quickly and comprehensively as possible.
"The Irish Congress of Trade Unions stands united and firm in our collective industrial action. That action has successfully brought us to the point where we can resolve these issues. However, we are also clear that that industrial action will continue until we receive proposals from relevant departments and agencies that workers can accept."
Welcoming the move from the ICTU, Northern Ireland Infrastructure Minister O’Dowd said:
“I welcome the suspension of the strike action planned for next week. Transport workers provide a very valuable public service and this is the right action to allow time to get around the table and discuss their pay.
"The Trade Unions are aware of the strain on public finances and particularly the under-funding of public transport services over many years. I am happy to meet with the Unions to discuss this important issue and to encourage them to reach a resolution with Translink management on their pay award as quickly as possible.”