Around 170,000 public sector workers have gone on strike in Northern Ireland today. 

A total of 16 unions are taking part in the 24-hour walk out, which has been described as the biggest industrial action in the North’s history. 

Among those taking part are doctors, teachers, civil servants and bus drivers - all of whom are unhappy with their pay and conditions. 

The British Government has agreed public sector workers will receive a £3 billion (€3.5 billion) pay package - but it can only be implemented if the DUP return to power sharing in Stormont. 

“It’s just a bit frustrating and it feels a bit like public sector workers are being used to get the DUP back into Stormont,” primary school teacher Fionoulla McTaggart said. 

“We’re being used as political pawns. 

“I feel like that’s just not fair, a fair pay solution shouldn’t be dependent on the DUP going back to work.” 

UNISON members walk out at midnight on their 6th day of strike action in 12 months. Join us at the picket and rally. #wewontbeleftbeind @cmcanea @unisontheunion @Deborah_utv @mlchealth @ShaunaReports @AmandaFBelfast @chhcalling @BelfastLive pic.twitter.com/7hJcZyPN4b

— UNISON NI (@UNISONNI) January 18, 2024

The strikes means schools have been closed, thousands of hospital appointments have been cancelled and no Translink bus or trains are running. 

Despite the cold weather, many of Northern Ireland’s roads have not been gritted and people have been told not to travel unless it is essential.

“It feels like we’re being trapped in the house and we can’t really go anywhere,” Lisburn mother Sharon Hickey said. 

“The weather’s bad, we can’t get out even to go for a walk and… I’d be too scared to take them in the car to go anywhere.”

DUP leader Jeffrey Donaldson has urged the British Government to “immediately” implement its pay offer to public sector workers.

Main image: Striking workers in Belfast. Picture by: Alamy.com