People Before Profit Cllr Shaun Harkin has said that NI Water workers won the pay battle, not Sinn Fein Ministers.
Said the Foyleside councillor: “We commend NI Water workers and their trade unions representatives for forcing the issue of the pay rise they have been owed with Stormont Ministers.
“The non-payment of the pay increase agreed 21 months ago represented yet another broken promise by the Stormont Executive to vital infrastructure workers we rely to allow our society to function.
“It is disgraceful that Ministers only acted when workers made it clear they would take strike action this month.
“It is beyond farcical for Sinn Féin representatives to heap praise on Sinn Féin Ministers for signing-off on a long delayed pay rise in the face of an all-out strike threat!
“Ministers should be embarrassed for doing absolutely nothing since the agreement was reached, forcing workers to threaten strike action and allow water infrastructure with massive problems face further challenges.
“It is utterly hypocritical for Sinn Féin to present this as their victory.
“Workers and their trade unions won this battle. They are the only ones who deserve credit.
“It’s time for Sinn Féin and the entire Executive to stop the hypocritical posturing and pay healthcare workers and teachers properly so that those in need of care and children are not impacted.
“And the lesson for all workers is that being in a trade union matters – and being prepared to take action shows the power of the working class when we are organised and determined to fight.”
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