‘Principals of an agreement’ reached between Newry, Mourne and Down District Council and trade unions

The Monaghan Row headquarters of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

A long running employment dispute at Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC) appears to be at an end.

The council has been engaged in Labour Relations Agency (LRA) meetings with trade union members since May following strike action by the GMB, NIPSA, SIPTU and Unite in April.

The local authority employees claimed the council had reneged on a commitment to a partnership-based job evaluation process.

In a statement released on behalf Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Management and Trade Union Sides, a spokesperson said this afternoon: “Following a period of intensive negotiations between Management and the recognised Trade Unions within Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, the principles of an agreement have been reached and will be tabled at a Council Committee meeting in December.

“During this period it was agreed that no further industrial action would be taken by the Trade Unions.”