Council and school staff start voting on strikes over pay

Thousands of council and school staff across Northern Ireland have begun votiing on whether to strike over pay.

Unison says most workers, including refuse collectors, teaching assistants and social workers, have been offered a below inflation 1.75% pay rise, with 2.75% for those on the lowest wage level.

The union is recommending its members back industrial action in the ballot.

Council and school staff start voting on strikes over pay https://t.co/9GJY3PrgX0

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Earlier this year, Unison submitted a joint pay claim with other unions for a wage rise of least 10% for all council and school support employees.

Around a third of a million school and council staff in Northern Ireland, England and Wales have started voting today.

Unison’s head of local government Mike Short said:

“Council and school workers have gone the extra mile throughout the pandemic, keeping schools open, ensuring communities are safe and providing essential services. often at risk to their own health.

“This inadequate pay offer shows they’re undervalued, particularly with the cost of living being ramped up.

"They should be given the credit they’re due and rewarded properly.

“It’s still not too late for the employers to do the right thing by making a decent offer to avoid strike action.

"The government should also play its part by providing the necessary funds.”