An Assembly could deliver on wages and conditions for public sector workers says McGrath
SDLP South Down MLA Colin McGrath MLA has said that the on-going strike action across the North underscores the need more than ever the need for a restored Executive which could deliver on essential pay and working condition issues.
Although a final deal is being hammered out, the return to the NI Assembly looks a strong possibility and may herald better times ahead.
Commenting, the South Down MLA has said: “We are at a period of history that is unlike anything we have ever witnessed here.
“The level of strike action that has been undertaken recently has been unsurpassed and has demonstrated the groundswell of opinion that our public sector has been stretched to the point of breaking.
“I was proud to meet with striking staff members from Knockevin Special School on Friday and to hear their concerns and needs.
“The need for a restored Executive has never been greater. Yes, we know that many within unionism have outstanding concerns over the consequences of Brexit.
“However, it is not only nationalists or non-aligned individuals that are currently on strike.
“I have no doubt that there are many unionists currently on strike who are also feeling the impact of reduced pay and poor working conditions.
“This issue affects all of us and what I am hearing from people is that they simply don’t believe that the Tory government, and specifically the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, are interested or even care. That is a damning indictment.
“We need that restored Assembly and Executive now, where locally elected and accountable Ministers can bring forward the necessary pay uplifts and address the working conditions.
“Failure is simply not an option we can countenance, and I appeal to the DUP to help us address these issues.
“People deserve our support and our intervention and we must do this together,” said Colin McGrath.
