Infrastructure Minister welcomes suspension of transport strike

A planned 72 hour strike by Translink workers has been suspended to allow union members to vote on a improved pay offer.

Workers were set to walk out from midnight tonight [Monday], but following an improved pay offer by Translink the three public transport trade unions (GMB, SIPTU and Unite) have called off the action to ballot members on the new deal.

Translink staff who took part in January's strike.

placeholder image — Translink staff who took part in January's strike.

A spokesperson for the unions said talks with Translink management took place yesterday [Sunday] following the rejection of an initial pay offer by management on Thursday (22 February).

“Workers in all three trade unions will now vote on the offer - the dates of the ballot will be announced in the coming days,” they added.

News of the strike suspension was welcomed by Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd.

Mr O’Dowd said: “Resolving public sector pay quickly has been a key priority for the Executive. This is a positive development which I very much welcome.

"I want to thank the Unions and Translink management for their determination to find a resolution to this dispute.”