Traders in Belfast are concerned about the potential impact of a fourth strike by bus and train workers scheduled for this Friday, according to a business group. The Cathedral Quarter BID claimed that businesses were heavily impacted by last weekend’s 48-hour walkout, with trade down by roughly 35% compared to the same period last year. Northern Ireland’s largest transport union, the GMB, has suggested that government action on a pay deal is required in order to prevent the next strike. Translink, however, has claimed that it didn’t receive a budget to offer a pay deal, which ultimately led to the industrial actions by workers.
Looking ahead to this week’s strike, the Cathedral Quarter’s manager, Damien Corr, warned that Friday would be another tough day for local businesses. “Nobody in business is looking forward to this Friday after the weekend we’ve just had,” he said. Members of Unite, GMB, and Siptu voted in favor of the previous walkouts in November.
Peter Macklin, a representative of GMB, highlighted the need to cancel the next strike and call for an agreed cost of living rise for workers. He stated, “We would need a guarantee and a figure of what a cost of living rise is going to be for us to bring back to our members.” Speaking on the BBC’s Good Morning Ulster program, he added that the strikes have demonstrated the importance of public transport and the role played by transport workers in supporting society and the economy.
Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris has been holding talks with Stormont’s largest political parties regarding the executive’s restoration. The talks include a financial package of £2.5bn from the UK government, which would provide for public sector pay increases if the deal is agreed. However, with the current plan unclear, it is uncertain whether a pay figure can be proposed.
The strikes have been causing problems not just for businesses but also for passengers in Northern Ireland, including school pupils. Encouraging a quick resolution of the issue seems essential for the workers and residents alike, as the uncertainty engendered by the ongoing dispute looks set to cause further economic disruption
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