Thousands of local government workers in Northern Ireland are planning a two-day strike this week over pay.
They are joining colleagues in England and Wales in the the action, the latest stage in a long running battle with their employers.
Bins will not be emptied, but Albert Mills, senior industrial organiser with public service union Unite, said dispensation had been given to allow burials and cover for emergency services.
The union members have rejected their employer’s offer of a 2.45 per cent pay increase and are demanding a 6 per cent or 50p an hour whichever is the greater.
Mr Mills said: “Unite have a strong and consistent position on this pay deal which we believe is not in the interests of our members.”
The lowest grade worker in local government is paid #5.81 per hour, just a few pence above the minimum wage, he said.
“The Northern Ireland Assembly have a responsibility to properly fund local government to ensure a decent wage for its workers and their families - this pay deal clearly does not do this and should be a source of shame and embarrassment to the Assembly and local authorities,” said Mr Mills.
He added: “The question for our members is this: Are we going to continue to accept below inflation deals which impact more heavily on lower paid workers or do we make a stand for a living wage?”
Local government workers, like everyone else, faced increased energy and transport costs, rising rent and mortgage bills and general inflation, said Mr Mills.
“The cost of living is increasing at over 4 per cent a year, with even steeper rises in household bills. But the government is seeking another three years of reduced living standards across the local government sector in order to keep costs in line with its 2 per cent inflation target.
“It is deeply unfair that public servants should be used as a blunt instrument in the government’s efforts to control inflation.”
Striking members of Unite plan a rally outside Transport House in Belfast at noon on Wednesday - the first day of the strike.
PA