Around 20 employees have been protesting outside Limavady Borough Council’s Waste Management Headquarters since 5am this morning over a series of disputes with the government over pay, pensions and cuts.

The Limavady Council staff joined thousands of other public sector workers across Northern Ireland for what has been billed as one of ‘the biggest strikes faced by government’.

The biggest issue that is in dispute is pay after the government froze public sector salaries in 2010 and introduced a one per cent cap on pay rises in 2012 which remains in place.

This is the fourth year in a row that public sector workers have endured a pay cut in real terms.

Unions including Unite, Unison, GMB, FBU and NIPSA have all voted for action against the pay offer of one percent.

Refuse collectors in Limavady, Dan Nickel, Geordie Holmes and Alan Finlay (pictured) have described the one percent pay offer as a ’slap in the face’.

Mr Nickel, who has worked for the council for 33 years, said: “I have worked for the council for 33 years and yet some councillors were offered just over £15,000 not to stand in the new councils.

“This is a slap in the face for us.

“We have been here from 5 o’clock this morning to try and stop other council workers from crossing the picket line,” said Dan.

Geordie Holmes who has worked for the council for 27 years added: “I am absolutely disgusted.  We are just asking for what is fair. Assembly Members get whatever they ask for.”

Alan Finlay who has been with the council for five years, added: “All we are asking for is a chance of fair play. Being offered a one per cent pay rise in five years is a total disgrace.”  

A number of employees at Magherafelt District Council also joined the protest this morning.  

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