Health service members of trade union NIPSA are to join other workers across health and education in strike action tomorrow (Tuesday).
NIPSA members involved in the 24-action will include domiciliary care, social work, ambulance workers, administration and nursing staff.
Members of the Unite union have already said they will be on the picket lines at Craigavon Area Hospital and South Tyrone Hospital in a protest over pay and safe staffing.
And members of teachers’ union NASUWT will also be taking a half day of strike action tomorrow over pay.
Pádraig Mulholland, NIPSA deputy general secretary, said: “NIPSA members in the health service are increasing their industrial action at the same time as our sister unions are striking in the education sector.
“Our combined action is a warning to employers that workers are not prepared to accept real terms pay cuts and the destruction of services.
“We must have inflation busting pay rises for all health service workers and an end to the chronic understaffing that puts lives at risk. We cannot have a decent health service if thousands of posts are vacant and the staff are living in poverty.
“It is time for the whole trade union movement, public and private sector, to join together to fight to improve living standards and to defend services.”
He added: “Patient safety remains very important for health staff who will take industrial action. Discussions are ongoing to ensure the employers take the necessary steps to protect patients during the dispute.”
