Massive Public Sector Strike in Northern Ireland Over Pay Disputes

Unprecedented Disruption Expected Across Services; Civil Disobedience Suggested as Possible Next Step

Tens of thousands of public sector workers from 15 unions in Northern Ireland are set to strike on Thursday, January 18, over pay disputes. This could be one of the largest strikes in the region's history.
The strike will significantly disrupt services across transport, health, education, and other sectors. All bus and train services will be halted, and minimal and emergency health services will be available.
The pay dispute arises from the fact that public sector workers in Northern Ireland have not received a pay rise in recent years, while their counterparts in other parts of the UK have. This, combined with high inflation, has resulted in a real-terms pay cut for many workers.
The UK government has offered a financial package worth £3.5bn for the return of a functioning Executive at Stormont, including £584m to settle public sector pay claims. However, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) has been boycotting devolved government at Stormont since 2022, in protest against post-Brexit trade arrangements.
Unions blame Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris and the government for not releasing funds to end the dispute. Meanwhile, a trade union leader has suggested that civil disobedience, including blocking roads and occupying buildings, could be a possible next step if the pay dispute continues.