15/10/2007

Marathon Negotiations Halt Strikes

A flurry of weekend negotiations both locally and nationally, has brought two strikes to a halt while another stoppage - that was due to begin this week - has also been deferred, all pending full agreement.

The trade union representing Northern Ireland classroom assistants who have been on strike will consult its members on indefinitely suspending industrial action this week.

After weekend talks at the Labour Relations Agency, employers have agreed to further negotiations to discuss pay and conditions.

Assembly Education Minister Caitriona Ruane said she was pleased with the development.

"I would like to thank the four unions and the education and library board," she said.

"I am delighted with this news, it gives a bit of breathing space to get the remaining issues resolved."

NIPSA General Secretary John Corey said it was an important step forward for the NIPSA members who have been on strike for nine days.

Nationally, postal workers' union leaders are preparing to meet later to decide whether or not to accept a deal to end strike action at the Royal Mail.

The deal aims to end the long-running dispute over pay, pensions and working practices.

The union said it was confident there would be no more wildcat strikes.

The deal is understood to include reform of the company's pension scheme, a pay rise this year of about 2.5% and changes to long-standing working practices.

In the Irish Republic, a strike which would have grounded all Aer Lingus flights from the middle of the week has also been averted.

Management and pilots have agreed terms and conditions for staff at the airline's new base in Belfast.

The deal was reached after more than 20 hours of talks at the Labour Relations Commission over the weekend.

Both sets of negotiators will recommend the deal, which is subject to a ballot by the pilots being held at a meeting later on Monday.

The two sides have reached an agreement on pension conditions and promotions based on seniority for pilots at its Belfast hub.

(BMcC)


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