NI Water can confirm that a small number of employees have commenced industrial action following a NIPSA ballot, after pay negotiations concluded without agreement. We do not anticipate any disruption to NI Water’s operational services as a result of this action.

Rose Kelly, NI Water’s Director of People and Learning, explained:

“As an arm’s length organisation, NI Water operates a range of complex pay arrangements across its workforce.

Over 95% of our staff accepted the 2023/24 pay deal. However, NIPSA separately balloted a small number of employees who chose to remain on a legacy pay framework, and they have rejected the pay offer.  The union has informed us that 29 of these staff out of a collective bargaining unit of almost 1,000 employees have voted to take industrial action, including a one-day strike on Thursday 26 June.

We firmly believe the total pay offer for 2023/24 is fair and equitable, as reflected in the overwhelming acceptance by our wider workforce. We remain committed to resolving this matter and ensuring these employees receive their pay settlement as soon as possible.”

Ends

Notes to Editors:

• This ballot relates to a small number of non-frontline employees. It does not include frontline staff, who have accepted the 2023/24 pay award and are actively engaged in negotiations for future pay remits. The pay offer for the employees on strike is valued at over 10% including a payment of £1,500 which NIPSA say is worth 5% alone.

• Robust contingency plans are in place to mitigate any potential impact. The affected employees are dispersed across various directorates.