Around 1,400 social workers across 11 community health trusts in Northern Ireland are taking strike action for two days this week in protest over pay and conditions.
The members of the public service union, NIPSA, have taken the action on Wednesday and Thursday in support of a pay and grading claim designed to bring social workers' pay into line with their health service colleagues, who they regularly work with in multi-disciplinary settings.
NIPSA deputy general secretary Brian Campfield said: “NIPSA members are taking this industrial action reluctantly and as a last resort, but they are determined to secure a fair rate of pay for a very difficult and pressurised job.”
The pay claim was submitted in February last year and Campfield claims that it was only when the union decided to ballot its members on industrial action that the employers entered into serious negotiations. However the dispute remains unresolved.
In addition to the 48-hour strike action members are also adhering to a strict 37-hour week.
What is it like to be a social worker in London?
03 September 2008
Local government job conditions 'will rival rest of public sector'
02 September 2008
Cosla offers talks as Scottish council staff prepare to strike
19 August 2008
Remploy: Staff vote on 3% pay offer as DWP appoints new chief
14 August 2008
Youth Justice and the Youth Justice Board
26 August 2008
Substance misuse
15 August 2008
Details of government consultations
21 August 2008
Private Member Bills
25 July 2008
Government Legislation
25 July 2008
