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Approximately 350 employees at NI Water have initiated a one-day strike due to disagreements over pay arrangements and working conditions. The majority of those taking industrial action are administrative staff represented by the trade union Nipsa, who recently voted in favor of the strike following a ballot. Carmel Gates, general secretary of Nipsa, explained that the dispute stems from a complicated salary structure introduced years ago by management.
NI Water has responded by stating they have a pay offer prepared and are encouraging Nipsa to submit a formal pay claim for all non-front-line employees so that negotiations can begin promptly. The company emphasized that they have put robust contingency plans in place to reduce any disruption caused by the strike.
Carmel Gates provided further insight into the situation, noting that Nipsa’s membership within NI Water includes those responsible for IT functions and water quality testing. She highlighted that the new salary structure has altered terms and conditions in a way that treats employees doing similar roles inconsistently. Ms. Gates said, “The next stage of the action will depend on how management respond to our requests for negotiations to resolve the issue.” She added that the union is willing to negotiate to settle the dispute but that meaningful discussions require management’s acceptance of the need to address separate terms and conditions.
From NI Water’s perspective, spokesperson Rose Kelly stated that ministers have approved pay awards aligned with the broader public sector for the years 2024/2025 and 2025/2026, which have already been accepted by frontline unions Unite and GMB. However, she clarified that the current dispute is about the negotiation process for a particular group of employees represented by Nipsa. NI Water has engaged continually with Nipsa throughout 2025, including participating in mediation earlier in the month, and remains committed to ongoing dialogue. The company also indicated that some Nipsa members are expected to implement a work-to-rule from 1 January. NI Water emphasized its dedication to reaching a swift pay settlement for all staff
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