A council strike that was set to go ahead for four weeks in Derry and Strabane has been suspended, it has been confirmed.
On Monday, July 11, Unite the Union said the local council had been notified of the industrial action which would have caused mass disruption to refuse collection, street cleansing and recycling centres.
However, after 11th-hour talks between council management and Unite on Friday, the strike was suspended for "further discussions and adjustments".
Speaking to MyDerry this week, Unite's Lead Regional Officer for local authorities in Northern Ireland Gareth Scott warned that an 'indefinite walkout' was an option if demands were not met.
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The trade union said the strike action was being taken due to council management providing no additional consolidated pay increase, leaving workers "unprotected from surging inflation".
It's understood that an offer has been made to workers on the council and that further discussions will now be held with Unite members to see if they're willing to accept.
The latest proposal comes after management at Derry City and Strabane District Council previously offered employees a £1,000 one-off payment to "try and help with the cost-of-living crisis".
In a statement, Aontú councillor Emmet Doyle said: “Our workers deserve to have their demands met on terms and conditions and it’s a credit to their officials, senior Council officers and the workers themselves that a planned strike has now been suspended pending further discussions and adjustments.
Council will meet next week to progress discussions with the union. This progress is a testament to the workers and their determination for fair updated terms. We will always stand beside our workers.”
A statement from Derry City and Strabane District Council on Friday evening read: "Derry City and Strabane District Council has confirmed that following further positive and constructive negotiations today with both the NIPSA and Unite unions, that Unite the Union, on the basis of an improved pay offer presented by Council and as a matter of good faith, has confirmed it will be suspending strike action planned for next week to allow Council to consider further proposed adjustments to the pay offer.
"On Thursday, Elected Members attending a Special Council meeting agreed an improved pay offer proposal that was brought before today’s local Joint Consultative Negotiation Committee ( JCNC) meeting.
"During the meeting, the unions jointly acknowledged the improved proposals and ongoing positive engagement with Council and advised that the decision to suspend the strike will allow time for the finalisation of the improved pay offer.
"Council welcomed the decision to suspend the strike and paid tribute to the positive engagement with the unions. Council advised it remained committed to continuing with further and final negotiations next week to arrive at a definite resolution to the pay dispute.
"The Council reaffirmed its commitment to supporting and valuing its staff, adding that it is dedicated to reaching a mutually agreed and constructive outcome on this very important issue."
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