Long-running dispute by Newry Council workers ends after agreement reached

A long running employment dispute at Newry Mourne and Down District Council has reached agreement today (Friday).

The council has been engaged in Labour Relations Agency (LRA) meetings with trade union members since May following strike action by the GMB, NIPSA, SIPTU and Unite in April.

The local authority employees had claimed the council reneged on a commitment to a partnership-based job evaluation process.

A joint statement released this afternoon, from NMDDC and the Trade Union Sides read: “Following a period of intensive negotiations between Management and the recognised Trade Unions within Newry, Mourne and Down District Council, the principles of an agreement have been reached and will be tabled at a council committee meeting in December.

“During this period it was agreed that no further industrial action would be taken by the trade unions.”