The last thing anyone wanted was a strike, but these workers were desperate
Strike action in Ards and North Down councils have been averted after GMB members voted in favour of a new pay deal.
GMB were in the process of balloting members for industrial action in a dispute over pay.
But any walkout has been stopped after Ards and North Down Borough Council and the union members from GMB, NIPSA and Unite struck a deal as follows:
entered into the following local pay agreement to assist employees in the current economic crisis:
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Pay grades will be lifted by one increment for all eligible grades. This will take effect as from 1 April 2022.
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The Council will make two hardship payments of £666 gross to eligible employees. The first payment is due to be made in October 2022 and the second payment around 1 April 2023.
Alan Perry, GMB Organiser, said:
“The last thing anyone wanted was a strike in Ards and North Down. But these workers were desperate.
“This deal is welcome and will help workers keep a roof over their heads – although it will not make up for two decades of real terms pay cuts they’ve suffered.”
