Northern Ireland pubs could run dry in Drinks Inc pay dispute

Posted on March 13, 2026 by Unite the union NI

Strike at Northern Ireland’s largest drinks distributor will halt all deliveries to bars, restaurants and off licenses

Unite is opening a strike ballot of its members working in for Drinks Inc (Musgrave Distribution Ltd).

The strike ballot opens Tuesday, 17 March and closes Tuesday, 31 March with industrial action possible by mid-April.

The pay dispute has erupted over the interpretation of a three-year pay deal which included an inflation escalator clause for the third year [2026]. Unite highlights that cumulative inflation has risen above the threshold which means that the pay deal for the third year has to be revisited. Management is disputing this.

Sharon Graham, Unite general secretary, said “The refusal of Drinks Inc to fulfil its commitment under the pay deal is completely unacceptable. This is a company that can clearly pay our members fairly but is choosing not to, in order to boost its own profits.”

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Dale Farm farmers warned of risks from milk outsourcing plans

Posted on March 12, 2026 by Unite the union NI

Any move to de-recognise Unite will result in strike ballot of drivers at outsourced companies

Unite has warned Dale Farm of potential industrial action should plans to outsource milk collection threaten union rights. Unite represents around 60 farm collection tanker drivers at the company.

Dale Farm management intends to expand outsourcing of milk collection from 40 per cent to 75 per cent.

Unite warns any move to derecognise the union by the new operators will be met with a strike ballot.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Unite opposes management plans to further outsource milk collection. There is absolutely logical or financial basis for this. Dale Farm is a highly successful business.

“Any threat to Unite’s recognition will be met with an immediate ballot of transferred drivers.”

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National Ambulance Service: Ballot continuing despite resolution of appointment and transfer issues

Posted on March 11, 2026 by unitetheunion

Unite slams six-year delay in implementing ‘Roles and Responsibilities Review’ recommendations

Management must ditch piecemeal approach and address all outstanding issues

Trade union Unite, which represents members working for the National Ambulance Service (NAS), today (Wednesday) welcomed confirmation by NAS management yesterday that Year 3 graduate paramedics will be offered permanent appointments and that management will adhere to the previously agreed transfer policy. This decision follows engagement with management by the Irish Ambulance Representative Council comprising Unite and Siptu.

Notwithstanding progress on the appointment and transfer issues, however, Unite said that it is continuing to ballot members for industrial action on foot of the ongoing failure to implement the 2020 ‘Roles and Responsibilities Review’. The ballot is set to conclude at the end of March.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said:

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Unite to ballot Nelipak workers for strikes in real living wage dispute

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Unite the union NI

Dismissal of workforce rep during pay negotiations will be fought for Unite by all means available

Unite is balloting its members at Nelipak, a manufacturer of sterile barrier systems for medical devices and pharmaceuticals, based in Derry/L’Derry, in a dispute over pay.

The low-paid workforce voted overwhelmingly to reject Nelipak’s inadequate pay offer. They are demanding the company become an accredited Living Wage employer, with workers being paid at least £13.45 an hour.

During the current pay dispute one of Unite’s workforce reps was dismissed and this has further damaged industrial relations at the site.

The ballot opens on Monday 16 March and closes on Thursday 2 April. If workers vote for industrial action, strikes could begin in the middle of next month.

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Northern Ireland SEN cuts threatened due to costs

Posted on March 4, 2026 by Unite the union NI
Sharon Graham discussing with striking SEN classroom assistants in a previous dispute

Unite will ballot workers at the Education authority in response to plans to cut the terms and conditions of school support workers.

In a further development, cost-cutting proposals have been made for a wider review of the system of SEN education to make it “financially sustainable”. This will impact the jobs and pay of school support workers as these are the biggest element of SEN education costs.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, “Stormont needs to step back from its attacks on school support workers. The rights of our members, and the rights of children with Special Educational Needs are not up for grabs.

“Our members have the full support of their union in the fight to defend themselves and the right of SEN children to access education.”

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