"On behalf of the Northern Ireland Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, public sector workers engaged in industrial action are commended for their sacrifice today in pursuit of enhancing the quality of life of ALL citizens in Northern Ireland.
"You nail the lies and insults to your intelligence from those who claim that you have been brainwashed by alleged trade union militants. Has anyone been forced into action by trade union barons. Or are you forced by circumstances?
'these sort of circumstances?
- Crowded classrooms
- longer NHS waiting times
- overworked health professionals
- slashed public transport services
- low paid carers in privatised providers looking after our family members
- elimination of vital community and voluntary sector services
- inferior services delivered by fewer workers
'the workers taking action are not only servants of the public. Like everyone who lives in Northern Ireland, they are daily users of public services. That is what they are defending, through taking industrial action. That is why we are all here, and at rallies across Northern Ireland. We are striking 50,000 blows for decent, high-quality and properly respected public services.
'there are marches and parades happening on this day in Enniskillen, Coleraine, Newry, Derry, Omagh, Craigavon, Strabane. People are marching and parading from all corners of Belfast to join the rally at Belfast City Hall.
'stormont is on Strike!
No trains are running north of Dundalk. Bus workers, legal secretaries, administrators, Hansard stermgraphers, hospital porters, dinner ladies, teachers, paramedics are among the thousands of workers who are sending a clear message that they will not be the sacrificial lambs for a crazy and cranky Tory dream. What do they mean by a "rebalanced economy"
"Balanced in favour of who?
'the private healthcare companies who want the juicy parts of the NHS?
The Private Equity merchants who profit from oursourced services and squirrel away those profits in tax havens? The property speculators who are lobbying their friends in Stromont for a quick sale of the Belfast Harbour? All to pay for a Corporation Tax cut for big businesses with no guarantees of any new jobs!
"We say NO to those who would rip up our social contract, who would steal from the young the chance of decent terms and conditions while serving the people as a health care worker, or an educator.
"We march today and we will continue to fight for:
- Public Services for our communities
- Investment for quality jobs
- A Living Wage for all workers
- Safeguarding our local community services
- A Sustainable public transport system for all
- Properly funded schools and colleges
- A Welfare system that meets needs and not targets
- Protecting our communities by opposing job losses
'this campaign does not end today. Let us fight on and build for the alternative – people, jobs and public services!
