General
Further to our email last week, we are calling NIPSA Branch 730 members to engage in strike action on Thursday 18th January. Most derogation requests for critical services have been agreed – these have been in areas such as mental health, some areas of children’s services, and residential care. Some work may still be required for some services.
Picket Lines
Given issues with transport and expected poor weather, the Branch has decided picket lines will be at four locations:
Agreed pickets will be at:
- Belfast City Hospital, Lisburn Rd – Catherine Arkinson
- Knockbreda Health and Wellbeing Centre – Eoin Dawson
- Shankill Health and Wellbeing Centre – Siobhan Bell
- Beech Hall Health and Wellbeing Centre – Gerry Largey
All pickets will commence at 8.30am and will finish at 11am. There is then a major rally in Belfast City Centre – other areas are in the attachment.
he Branch is asking members to please show support to those on picket lines, even if you can only stay for a short time. Alternatively, if strike/weather disruption means this is problematic, Branch 730 is urging members to show solidarity by attending a NIPSA picket line more convenient to where you live – see NIPSA’s main website www.nipsa.org.uk for further info. We’re also asking members to attend whatever rally is convenient for you.
And Finally
At this stage it is highly unlikely this strike will be averted. There is still time if a pay offer was made, but NIPSA and indeed all trade unions and their members are pressing ahead with plans to strike.
Finally, as previously outlined, if any staff in your office is not a member of NIPSA and wishes to join, we attach a membership form, which can be completed on a PC and sent back to us at nipsa@belfasttrust.hscni.net. Finally, finally – for clarity, all staff, including Agency staff, can take strike action.
Solidarity is strength. Strike on the 18th January.
Attend picket lines. Attend the rally.