As outlined in my article on 7 April members in the NICS, ALBs and NDPBs will take strike action on 26 April.
This article provides details to allow branch secretaries and activists to prepare for strike action.
Leaflets for members and strike materials
Leaflets for members and strike materials will be available for collection in Harkin House and the Regional Office from Monday afternoon. Those who cannot collect material should email Seán McMullan telephone 07970 372 811, as soon as possible so that we can arrange distribution.
Seán will be keeping a note of materials collected and so I would be grateful if branches could ensure they liaise with him. It might be helpful for branches to coordinate for one person to collect materials for a few branches in towns other than Belfast and Derry. Those collecting from the Regional Office should email
Each picket location will be given 3 flags, 10 placards, cable ties, 6 x tabards or armbands, application forms (including for agency workers if applicable), picketing guidance and a small supply of printed leaflets for members. Please arrange to distribute the leaflets to members as soon as possible.
Please also begin to organise your pickets. The start and finish time will depend on your building’s opening hours and core time. If you are intending to picket outside your building, I would be grateful if you would let your Seconded Officer/HQ Official know so that we can add your building to the list for visits. I know that in some areas, because of the nature of the work, it is not possible for you to picket your building. If that is the case, please join pickets elsewhere. There is no limit to the number of members who can join a picket line but there will only be 6 ‘official’ pickets.
Rallies
The main rally will take place at lunchtime at Belfast City Hall. It will be organised by the Irish Congress of Trade Unions and will involve all the trade unions on strike that day. Please encourage all your members to attend. We also plan to hold a separate NIPSA rally in Derry. It will be an indoor rally mid-morning so that members can go straight from the picket lines. Details to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
The FAQ document is attached. If you have a question that is not on it, please contact your HQ Official and we can update it as we go.
Action short of strike action and targeted action
Action short of strike action continues as outlined previously. If your branch wishes to include other action not on the list, please contact your HQ Official.
We are still discussing selective action in certain areas and further details will follow.
For circulation
The pdf of the leaflet and the FAQs is available to download from the links below.
If you have any questions in relation to this article, please contact your Seconded Officer or HQ Official.
Thank you for all your hard work and support and remember to enjoy the strike on 26 April.