By Cillian Sherlock, PAThe North’s hospitality and retail sectors have continued appeals for transport unions to call off planned strike action during the run-up to Christmas, as all bus and train services were suspended for a second consecutive day on Saturday. There has been widespread disruption across the region due to the strike action from Unite, GMB and Siptu union members who are pursuing a pay increase. The strike action comes as talks between the Northern parties and the British government over a £2.5 billion (€2.9 billion) package to stabilise finances in the region are to resume on Monday. In fact, it takes the focus away.”Glyn Roberts, of Retail NI, said the timing of the strike action “leaves a lot to be desired” for the retail and hospitality sectors in run-up to Christmas. The Northern Ireland Office has said the UK government has no authority to negotiate pay in Northern Ireland and it is for the relevant devolved department to make final decisions.

Source: The Herald December 17, 2023 00:18 UTC