By Tracey Villa

Public sector workers from Derry and the rest of Northern Ireland have held their largest strike in 50 years, and staged rallies in a day of action against escalating pay disputes. Sixteen trade unions were involved in co-ordinated action in the dispute. More than 100,000 public sector workers took part today. It halted bus and train services, while schools closed and there was disruption across health services.

Many are striking due to workers in Northern Ireland being paid less than their UK counterparts.

Rita Devlin, from the Royal College of Nursing (RCN), said the action ‘didn’t need to happen’ and criticised the Northern Ireland Secretary Chris Heaton-Harris for not implementing pay increases.

The UK government has offered a financial package if devolution is restored which would include provisions on pay.

The rallies took place on Thursday the January 18, at lunchtime, with many people carrying out an all day strike, for as long as the snow would permit them.

The Derry was held a rally in the Guildhall square, where Civil Right campaigner Eamonn Mc Cann addressed a crowd in the Guildhall square where hundreds attended. There were also rallies in Belfast, Omagh, Magherafelt and Enniskillen.

Public workers are demanding a fair pay rise, however due to the snow gritters striking the DFI issued a warning stating,”Due to the combination of industrial action and particularly cold weather, the Department for Infrastructure is advising that only absolutely essential journeys are made on Thursday 18th January”. With all the strike action planned, caution is advised as non major roads have not been gritted, and motorists are urged to take care given the icy weather.”

For more information on affected roads go to www.infastruture-ni.gov.uk