01/08/2002

Health workers strike after sectarian threat to worker

Health workers have taken part in a one-day strike after a member of staff at the North and West Belfast Social Services Trust was sent a bullet in the post.

Around 900 workers took part in the protest, which was taken by the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA).

Although the package containing the bullet was sent last week, the incident only came to light when the workers decided to take action over the threat.

The decision to strike was criticised by PUP member Billy Hutchinson who described it as "sectarian". Mr Hutchinson said he was fed up with unions taking decisions on a whim and which were for one side of the community.

However a NIPSA spokesperson denied this saying the strike was against any type of sectarian threat no matter where it came from.

Trust managers have also said they were disappointed by the decision.

Services affected by the NIPSA stoppage included social visits in the community, daycare services and administrative functions.

NIPSA is the largest trade union in Northern Ireland representing 38,000 members across the civil and public service and the voluntary sector.

(MB)

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