SDLP Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has called for urgent intervention to address the current public sector pay dispute.
Mr McNulty said:
“There are only ten days left for an urgent intervention to address the needs of public sector workers ahead of a day of generalised action next Thursday. Nurses, teachers, civil servants and other public sector workers aren’t taking this action lightly – they’re giving up a day’s pay and going out on strike to put down a marker for this government and for political parties here.
“The needs of workers have been overlooked, or used as part of some shameless blame game for far too long. Any political leader, whether it’s Chris Heaton Harris or Jeffrey Donaldson, should be ashamed that nurses, teachers and other public sector workers will again be forced to take strike action for pay justice while those with the power to deliver it sit on their hands. It is indefensible and their approach must change.
“I deeply regret that workers have been forced to this point for the pay awards that they deserve and that the Northern Ireland Office and British Treasury have already agreed to fund. This should be put right immediately, and I will be standing shoulder to shoulder with striking workers on Thursday to make that clear.”
ENDS
CLANRYE NEWS 