Mayor and leading Councillors oppose threats against workers

Following the threat announced this week against Community Safety Wardens in the city, the Mayor and party Council group leaders met this morning.

They have called for civic leaders, community and voluntary representatives to join their stand in solidarity with the threatened workers.

Two leading unions, NIPSA and UNITE, have informed council that they will be staging a rally on Monday 17 November to show support. The rally will be held at Guildhall Square from 12-2pm.

Mayor Stevenson is encouraging as many people as possible to attend the event, stating “it is important that the city comes together to form a united front against this continued intimidation of our workers who are providing an excellent service in our local communities”

SDLP group leader, Gerard Diver noted the statement from the IRA which appeared in the local media today (Friday) which claimed “anyone who assists the Crown Forces either actively or passively can expect the same fate as a British police officer or soldier.”

Mr Diver called the threat “despicable and cowardly.”

Paul Fleming of Sinn Féin mentioned the concern felt on the ground and said “urgent steps needed to be taken to remove the threat and reassure staff.”

A joint approach was called for by Alderman Drew Thompson of the DUP, who described the situation as “intolerable for workers and their families.”

Sharon O’Connor, Council Chief Executive, said that her prime concern was helping the workers involved and their families.

She also backed the calls for citizens to attend the show of support rally, stating “we are not going back to the days of the past of living in fear and intimidation, we need to stand together and tell these people that we will not tolerate their threats.”