Schools will be closed and many others affected, health services will be reduced and public transport will grind to a halt as a result of the day of action by the major trade unions in Fermanagh and across Northern Ireland tomorrow (Friday).

Some schools have communicated with parents warning that they may be closed and offering updates before tomorrow. Holy Trinity Primary School in Enniskillen told parents via text yesterday(Wednesday) that they would be closed tomorrow.

A protest rally involving members of trade unions taking part in the day of strike action tomorrow (Friday), March 13, will meet at the Diamond in Enniskillen at 1pm after moving off from the Gaol Square half an hour earlier.

The rally is expected to be well supported as at least four trade unions will be taking part, the GMB, Unison, Unite and the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation.

This will be the culmination of a day of action which will cripple public transport, close schools and affect services at the South West Acute Hospital as well as other health facilities. Some government offices will also be understaffed as union members support the day of industrial action over the Stormont House cuts.

A Western Education and Library Board (WELB) spokesperson said: “Every effort has been made to minimise the impact on schools and pupils in respect of frontline services. However in some cases it may not be possible to provide the normal school meals or home-to-school transport service. Schools have been advised where possible to make alternative arrangements and to advise parents accordingly.

“In relation to the closure of schools, it is the responsibility of the principal of a school.” Unison members at the South West Acute Hospital will be taking part in a 24-hour stoppage from 8am tomorrow and they will join other union members at the rally in Enniskillen.

A Unison member described the effect on services as being like those offered at weekends or Bank Holidays.

A spokesperson for the Western Health and Social Care Trust said: “The Trust has been advised that a number of trades unions are taking strike action on Friday. Management and staff are working closely with local trades union representatives to minimise any disruption to services during the planned industrial action. Essential services will be maintained throughout the period of action, however there will be a reduced service available to patients and service users.” The Ambulance Service will also be affected. A spokesman said they intend to take strike action and they had made initial proposals for emergency cover. The protests are expected to be the largest for years organised by a number of trade unions against the implications of the Stormont House Agreement.

Michael Mulholland, GMB Regional Organiser, said: “On Friday, March 13 in Northern Ireland we will see one of the largest trade union organised protests in many years. GMB members, from transport, education, NHS and the civil service, will attend marches and rallies against the planned cuts in public services and the threats to jobs in Northern Ireland.

“GMB require full transparency on the detail of the Stormont House Agreement and what further impacts these will have on the population of Northern Ireland as a whole.” Public transport will be adversely affected. Translink is advising all its customers that due to strike action by the Unite and GMB trade unions, it will not be possible to operate any scheduled bus or train services tomorrow.

A Translink spokesman stated: “I would like to apologise to all our passengers who will be inconvenienced by this strike action which is unfortunately beyond our control.” The lack of public transport will also hit the many students who travel home for the weekend from Belfast, one of the busiest as it is the St. Patrick’s weekend.

Most of the strike action involving schools in Fermanagh will involve members of the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation which has called on all its 7,000 members in schools and colleges to support the strike action.

Gerry Murphy, the Northern Secretary for INTO, said: “Friday’s strike is just the beginning of the campaign to defend the right of children to a properly resourced education system and the right of professional teachers to feel secure in their employment.

“Friday’s strike will send a clear message to those who doubt the commitment of INTO members to this campaign that we will wave placards, we will make our voices heard and we will expect that the agenda of cuts and job losses ceases immediately and is replaced by one of reinvestment.” The Union voted by a majority of 79 per cent in favour of strike action. INTO has the second highest number of members in the Western Education and Library Board area.

The Ulster Teachers’ Union and the NAS/UWT has decided against strike action tomorrow but endorsed other forms of industrial action.

A spokesman stated: “UTU members should report for work as normal on March 13 2015 but should not undertake any work being left undone by a member of another union who is taking strike action.” Glyn Roberts from the Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association has criticised the “significant disruption” to the economy.

“Friday’s ill timed and misjudged public sector strike is the very last thing Northern Ireland needs at this time. With public transport shut down on Friday, our members will face severe difficulty-how will their staff and customers get to their shops and town centres.”