Vets, meat and port inspectors in Derry take part in unprecedented five day strike

Local representatives and trade union campaigners joined striking members of the vets and meat inspectors union at its Foyle Meats protest on Thursday. 

Vets, meat and port inspectors have taken to the picket lines in an unprecedented five day strike.

Members of the NIPSA and GMB unions have been calling for better pay and conditions.

Pickets were staged at DAERA headquarters in Ballykelly on Monday and Lisahally on Thursday.

NIPSA has described a £552 pay award for 2022/23 as ‘derisory’.

People Before Profit councillor Shaun Harkin said: "Civil servants working for the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) are fighting for fair pay and recognition of their vital role in safeguarding animal welfare, public health and food production. 

"They have been subjected to a derisory pay award of £552, imposed across the NI civil service. Their pay has been significantly eroded over the last decade. 

"This is unacceptable and insulting, especially when compared to their counterparts in Britain and the South. As a result of pay erosion, DAERA is struggling to attract and keep staff. 

"Vets, meat inspectors and port workers deserve to be paid fairly and equitably for their skills and expertise.

"The strike action caused disruption to the checks at ports and abattoirs. Employers and those concerned with animal welfare should direct their questions to the Secretary of State and DAERA officials. 

"Workers we spoke to at Foyle Meats didn't take strike action lightly, but it has sent a clear message to the Secretary of State and the senior civil servants that enough is enough.

"The Secretary of State should act now to resolve the strike if DAERA and meat industry employers want to avoid further industrial action in the run up to busiest season for the food industry."