Railway Staff To Strike Over Pay Dispute

GMB railway staff in Northern Ireland are to strike for 24 hours on Monday 24th June over a pay dispute.

The action is in relation to an on-going dispute with the employer over pay and terms and conditions as well as a history of poor industrial relations says GMB.

Over 150 railway staff, employed by Translink on Northern Ireland Railways, will take part in the strike action.

Translink is the provider of bus and rail services in Northern Ireland and is a publicly funded organisation, with funding coming from the Department of Regional Development through the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company.

GMB members are employed on the railway as conductors, and as station and platform staff. They are responsible for revenue protection, train and passenger safety.

Michael Mulholland, GMB Regional Organiser said: "GMB members in Translink on Northern Ireland Railways have voted to take part in action, up to and including strike action.

"Notice has been served on the Company of our member's intention to take part in a 24 hour stoppage commencing at 12.00 midnight on the 24th June 2013. The action is in relation to an ongoing dispute with the employer over pay and terms and conditions, as well as a history of poor industrial relations.

"All other groups have accepted a 3 year deal, which has been achieved through the agreement of efficiencies such as changes to Company sick pay and increased flexibility. GMB members, who are mainly from the Conductor and Station staff grades, believe that they are being asked to give away too much to fund increases for other groups who have not."

(CD/JP)