Bin collections to be affected next week as council workers go on strike
Workers with Derry City and Strabane District Council have voted for strike action which is earmarked to start on Monday, March 21 and is expected to last for up to seven days.
The council has warned the public that this will cause disruption to bin collections and services at recycling centres.
Said Cllr Harkin: “The cost of living crisis is in reality a cost of living tsunami for workers and the least well-off.
“MPs are being handed a massive £2200 pay increase. MLAs are grabbing a £500 pay rise.
“Corporations are sucking up massive profits for bosses and shareholders off the back of exorbitant price increases.
“Prices go up. Profits go up. Workers wages are kept stagnant.
“Council workers provide vital services but they have suffered more than a decade of pay cuts. Once again they are being told they have to accept an insulting well below inflation pay offer.
“The Derry and Strabane Council previously backed a People Before Profit motion supporting the trade union demand for a pay rise of at least 10% for Council workers and education workers.
“Unlike MPs and MLAs, or bosses or shareholders, Council workers are being given no option but to take action for a decent pay increase.
“They deserve the full solidarity of everyone who wants to see workers being treated with dignity and respect.
“Next week in Derry, Council workers, Magee lecturers and staff, Education Welfare Officers and others are all taking industrial action for better pay and treatment.
“Westminster and Stormont shovelled mountains of cash into the bank accounts of elites and the politically connected – but have refused to prioritise workers rights and the least well-off in our communities.
“People power action is the key to pushing back against government for and by elites.
“Solidarity for everyone taking a stand is crucial.
“We urge everyone to back our Council workers demand for a real pay rise.”
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