People Before Profit Cllr Shaun Harkin said has said that it was time for for fair pay for Translink workers.
Said the Foyleside: “If the DfI Minister and Translink bosses want to avoid a public transport strike next week they should make sure workers receive a fair pay offer.
“The Secretary of State and the incoming Stormont Executive claimed they would prioritise resolving fair pay demands by public sector workers.
“There have been lots of statements about what the Executive will do – but they have not made sure public sector workers are getting a pay rise.
“Translink workers have made it clear they will strike for three days next week if they don’t receive a fair pay offer.
“Junior Doctors and Education Authority workers have voiced their disappointment with the response of the restored Executive and made clear their intention to strike.
“Workers downed tools in their hundreds of thousands on January 18 to say we can’t wait any longer for a pay rise. Trade unions are absolutely right to demand immediate action from the Executive.
“Workers should not allow their demands for fair pay and investment into our public services to once again be put on the long finger.
“Bank after bank continue to announce they have made record profits.
“This is during years when the vast majority of people have faced a cost of living crisis. Council’s have stuck up their rates to pile pressure on households that have been struggling to pay inflationary bills.
“Consecutive Executive’s, when they’ve been functioning, trampled on workers rights, slashed public sector pay and rolled over for Tory austerity.
“This is not what people expect to go back to. There should be no going back to ‘business as usual’.
“The least we can expect is that promises and commitments made prior to Stormont’s restoration are kept.
“If they aren’t kept and addressed immediately workers have no option but to strike and deserve public support.”
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