Unions say further strike action ‘inevitable’ if demands not met after ‘watershed moment’

[https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/unions-say-further-strike-action-inevitable-if-demands-not-met-after-watershed-moment/a1192133908.html](https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/politics/unions-say-further-strike-action-inevitable-if-demands-not-met-after-watershed-moment/a1192133908.html)

* Belfast rally told DUP ‘shouldn’t take our hope’
* Eamonn McCann makes impassioned speech in Derry
* Rallies also held in Ballymena, Omagh, Magherafelt and Enniskillen

Thousands of workers across Northern Ireland joined mass rallies to demand a resolution to ongoing pay disputes within a number of sectors.

Around 150,000 workers from 15 different unions took part in Thursday’s walk-out, with rallies held in Belfast, Londonderry, Ballymena, Omagh, Magherafelt and Enniskillen.

Pickets were held at a number of locations before strikers made their way to the main rally at Belfast City Hall, where union leaders addressed the huge crowd.

In a statement given to the Belfast Telegraph, Nipsa said the day of action had shown the extent of the influence that trade unionism could exert.

“This is a watershed moment, as this action has shown the inherent power of the trade union movement to move and shape society,” said a spokesperson.

“The trade union fight is the general public’s fight. The support is there, as the public recognise the value of their public services and can see the real effects of the economic sanctions being imposed on the people of Northern Ireland and the impact this is having in health, education and across the wider public services.

“Public sector trade unions are a huge part of the population and the trade union movement is the single biggest body of people in the country — and they can see that Nipsa is fighting for them.”

The union said further action was “inevitable” if demands were not met.

“This will likely include selective and targeted action, as well as a call for wider action across all areas,” said a spokesperson.

“This action has moved the position. Discussions between the Secretary of State and the political parties has had funding at the top of the agenda because of the industrial action.

“This has been effective in changing the political narrative and bringing focus on the key issues — fair pay, safe staffing and the need for properly funded public services both now and going forward.

“The Secretary of State has confirmed the money is there and this would not be the case without the action taken by Nipsa and the other trade unions so far.

“Public support remains strong and the mood is for increased action and for something to be done. They can see that a failure to address the issues of fair pay, safe staffing and proper funding for services impacts them far harder than any strike action.”

It comes after Nipsa’s general secretary, Patrick Mulholland, told strikers outside the Northern Ireland Office (NIO) on Chichester Street that the widespread action would be extended if a resolution was not found.

“Today is only the beginning. If we do not get social and economic justice, the struggle will continue. Today: a public sector general strike. Tomorrow: everybody general strike,” he said.

“We, the trade union movement, are taking on the issue of people dying because they are on waiting lists.

“We are taking on the issue of children in our schools being hungry because of the cuts.

“We are taking on the issue of the disintegration of the social fabric of our society and we show no fear.

“Let’s make sure public sector workers, private sector workers, communities, all the people are united and send a strong message: we will not be pushed back into an economic dark age.”

NI Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has said the £3.3bn funding offer which would help end the public sector pay dispute will be “available on day one for an incoming Northern Ireland Executive”.

People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll said the Conservative government, along with the DUP, were “playing with people’s lives”.

“The zealots in the Tory party and the DUP do not care about workers, about health waiting lists, about our broken education system or any of it. They will only act when workers force them to act,” he said.

“Those on the picket lines today have already demonstrated immense courage. An escalation of their action is the next logical step if their demands are not met.”

by Negative-Message-447