It is expected that up to 100 Fermanagh and Omagh District Council employees will strike next week, however, the level of disruption will not be known until the strike begins. 

A spokesperson for the Council said: "The trade union, Unite, which represents around 100 employees of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has served notice on the Council that some of its members will be taking strike action from Monday, March 21 until Sunday, March 27 inclusive citing a trade dispute over pay for 2021/22."

 Addressing the issue, the spokesperson said: "Annual pay increases are negotiated nationally on behalf of councils in England, Wales and Northern Ireland and as such, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council cannot enter into separate local negotiations on pay with any of the unions which represent employees. The 2021-22 pay award has been agreed by a national collective Pay Agreement on 28 February 2022 therefore there is no national pay dispute in respect of 2021/22 Pay and the 2022-23 national pay negotiations have not yet commenced."

Warning that disruption is likely, the spokesperson said: "While the Council will endeavor to continue service provision as far as is possible, it is likely that the planned strike action will impact service provision. The extent of disruption is unlikely to be known until Monday 21 March and residents are advised to follow the Council’s communications channels where updated messages about service disruption will be posted.

"Anyone planning to attend any of our facilities next week is asked to check with the venue in advance."