“Fair Solution Needed In Council Worker Strike”

“Fair Solution Needed In Council Worker Strike” - McCausland

Aontú Representative for Upper Bann Kieran McCausland has appealed for a resolution to the industrial action taken by Council Workers from the ABC Council.

Speaking today, Mr. McCausland said “I had the opportunity to visit the Craigavon Civic Centre picket line on Monday night and listen to the workers on strike. I was shocked to hear the conditions they have been working under. The workers have been flagging their concerns over a long period of time but these issues are falling on deaf ears. This left the workers with no other way forward but to strike”

Mr. McCausland continued "Aontú believes that the 3% wage increase that the workers have now requested is fair and justified. There are 2 incremental pay scales which need to be addressed. At present, if accepted, the higher scale would not exceed £1,000 for Council Workers in a year and the lower scale would not exceed £700".

"Council Workers put themselves in harm’s way during the Covid Lockdown to keep essential services going. The Management need to come back to the table with a pay offer which reflects the work our Council Workers do to keep the borough operating ". Mr. McCausland concluded.

CRÍOCH

The Irish political system is radically broken

In Ireland the vast majority of elected representatives put a finger in the air to check which way the political wind is blowing. They have one eye on their leaders – seeking brownie points – and another eye keeping their seat safe. If elected reps shut up and do as they’re told, they are promoted; if they stand up for what they believe in, they are demoted. No wonder we have the political class we have. No wonder one point one billion euro is being buried in a hole under the National Children’s Hospital and that Stormont is in stalemate.

Throughout Ireland, many people are now afraid to say what they feel, many are afraid to respectfully engage on a range of different topics. Many feel there is a new censorship and a new political correctness in Ireland, that opposition to the establishment is being deleted.

Respectful opposition is not the enemy. Respectful opposition is a critical element of a functional democracy. Aontú will have the backbone to stand up, without fear, for you.