HUNDREDS of public sector workers across the district took part in last week’s major strike in protest at cuts to their pensions.
Picket lines were manned outside local hospitals, schools and government buildings by staff angry that the government wants them to pay more into their pensions, work longer and receive less money when they retire.
Senior Unison official Marion Ritchie said she was pleased with the response of the trade union members across the district.
Mrs. Ritchie said that as a result of last week’s industrial action, all planned surgery at the Downe Hospital was cancelled in tandem with outpatient appointments.
The Unison official said ward-based staff at the Downe Hospital took part in the one-day strike and were joined by district nurses and community nurses.
“Unison members who work in the hospital estates, transport and administrative departments took part in the industrial action which was very well supported,” she continued.
Mrs. Ritchie said public sector workers are concerned they are being asked to pay for the mistakes of others, namely bankers, who contributed to the “financial mess” the country finds itself in.
The Unison official said while talks are continuing at a national level in a bid to address the concerns of public sector workers, senior trade union officials have made it clear further industrial action can’t be ruled out.
Mrs. Ritchie was also one of a number of speakers who addressed a rally in Downpatrick during last Wednesday’s day of action.
The event, which was attended by several hundred public sector workers, was addressed by a number of trade union officials, including Pat Baker, Taryn Trainor (ICTU), Heather Elliott (NASUWT) and Brian Ferguson from Unison’s regional office. NIPSA officials also addressed last week’s meeting.
South Down MLA Willie Clarke also joined public sector workers in Downpatrick last Wednesday with a number of his local council colleagues and party activists joining striking workers on the picket line.
He said Sinn Féin supports the trade unions to represent and support their members and act in their interest, including the use of industrial action to achieve common good.
Mr. Clarke described the proposed £300m levy on public pensions imposed by the British government in Northern Ireland as “unacceptable.”