Water Service workers go on strike in NI
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Wednesday February 09, 2005 13:09
by Rosebud
And show up our own public service workers unions
Around 2,000 Water Service workers are staging a one-day strike in Northern Ireland today leading to fears of disruption to water supplies and a risk of environmental pollution.
The industrial action is being taken in opposition to the British government's planned water reforms which unions say could result in up to 700 job losses.
Amid mounting opposition to the reforms, public rallies organised by the unions and organisations against the introduction of water rates are being staged in Belfast and Derry this weekend.
The Water Service said it was implementing established contingency plans for dealing with major incidents.
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Members of the four unions voted for industrial action
Water Service workers in Northern Ireland are to stage a one day strike on Wednesday over proposals to reform the service.
Members of the four unions voted for industrial action, saying attempts to engage the government in negotiations had failed.
Plans for a government company to take over from the existing Water Service could see up to 700 jobs lost.
The umbrella group for the unions said the strike would not affect consumers.
'Workers cast aside'
More industrial action will follow, with a work to rule and withdrawal of goodwill, they said.
Spokesperson Bumper Graham said over the next few days the unions will be discussing the escalation of their action.
"The minister needs to realise that there is no support whatsoever for his water reform proposals and that water workers deserve to be treated fairly and not cast aside by ministerial dictates," he said.
Last week Minister John Spellar said he regretted the decision but said he respected their rights to pursue lawful strike action.
"I would urge the trade unions not to use the issue of water charging to prevent the necessary improvements to the workings of the Water Service," he said.
"Water Service Management will be taking all possible steps to maintain the delivery of services to the public."
Reforms announced last August would see the Water Service become a Government Owned Company, or GoCo, in 2006 and be almost completely self funding by 2008.
Anyone wishing to report problems with water and sewerage services can contact Waterline on 08457 440088.
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