Health Workers and Teachers Deserve Fair Pay – O’Dowd

John O’Dowd has said that health workers and teachers have his full support as they take part in strike action this week. 

The MLA said: “I stand in solidarity with healthcare workers and teachers who have taken to the picket line in strike action. 

“As a parent and an elected representative, I know teachers play an invaluable role in the education of our children, and they, along with our health workers, should have fair pay and conditions for the amazing work that they do. 

“Our nurses, health workers and teachers shouldn’t have been forced onto the streets to take strike action for fair pay and conditions, especially as the cost-of-living continues to rise. 

“The Department of Education and the Employing Authorities need to engage with teachers to ensure a fair pay settlement can be reached, and without fair pay and safe conditions for our healthcare staff, it becomes much more difficult to retain skilled health and social care workers.

 “The DUP need to get back to work around the Executive table, along with other parties, so that locally elected ministers can do their best to support our health workers, children, families and teachers.” 

ENDS