Strikes cause widespread disruption

Numerous schools have closed across the North West and other public services, including ambulance cover, face disruption.

The Day of Action takes place at various locations across Londonderry today and the main event will be a rally at Guildhall Square at lunchtime.

The local branch chairperson of public sector union NIPSA said: ““This day of action isn’t about the workers, it’s about everyone in the wider community who will be impacted by the cuts being forced on us.

““Those of us in the Housing Executive are particularly worried about the impact on our tenants which is just one element of the fallout from the cuts being imposed here. Housing Executive rents are still up to 40 per cent less than housing associations.

“What we’re saying is that by investing in the Housing Executive we can create jobs around providing the housing that people desperately need. We think it’s imperative that the Housing Executive is protected, it’s very much a cornerstone of the community.

“The message we want to send back to Stormont is very clear. We cannot and will not take anymore cuts to our vital services.

“This is about each and every one of us in the city who depend on the public services, be it schools, health or the Housing Executive.”

Trade unions taking part in the strike today include NIPSA, Unite, INTO

and Unison.

“Healthcare workers, teachers and bus and train drivers from the Unite and GMB unions are also taking part.

“We are faced with an onslaught which is designed to permanently reduce the public sector,”