Are you using paper plates for your Christmas dinner this year?
It is uncertain yet, but employees of NI Water may be on strike over the Christmas period affecting some areas in Northern Ireland.
The public are being warned that there could be problems with water supply and water quality over the Christmas period as water staff strike.
Regional Development Minister, Danny Kennedy said: “The proposed industrial action creates a significant risk of people not having water over Christmas. This is completely unacceptable.
“However, it is not too late to prevent it and I would urge the Unions to engage further to find a way forward.
“The key concern for the Unions is the reform of the pension schemes in NI Water. The same changes have already taken place in the Civil Service and other public sector organisations. The increase in contributions has actually been delayed for NIW staff.
“In an attempt to avert strike action, I have offered to bring any agreement on pensions between the Unions and NIW management to the Executive in January.”
The Minister said he had met with the three Unions, NIPSA, UNITE and GMB earlier this week.
Continuing he said: “While I understand that feelings are running high within the organisation I stressed that the industrial action has the potential to have widespread impact on families and particularly the elderly and vulnerable, creating a miserable Christmas for many.
“I also recognise that the workforce has worked hard over the last number of years to restore the public’s confidence in the organisation. I am concerned that this could now be undone as a result of industrial action.
“I have urged the Unions not to take this course of action and discussions are ongoing with NI Water management to seek to find a solution. NI Water and the Department are putting contingency measures in place in the event that no resolution is found.”
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