Press Release

Arrangements for Derry City Council Services during Local Government Industrial Action 16th and 17th July 2008

Thursday 10th July

Please be advised that most of Derry City Council's facilities and services will close to the public on Wednesday 16th July and Thursday 17th July due to the UK Local Government Industrial Action for pay.

Acting Town Clerk and Chief Executive, John Meehan explained that exemptions had been granted for Cemetery staff and that an update is expected shortly regarding City of Derry Airport.

He commented: "Constructive discussions with UNITE unions are continuing to minimize disruption for a key service such as City of Derry Airport. It is hoped that a decision is imminent to assist with advising public of travel arrangements. At this stage no change to services at City of Derry Airport has been advised".

The arrangements in place for Council services during the two days of industrial action on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th July include:

• Cemetery services available for the public
• Refuse collection for Cityside households is unavailable. Blue bins due to be collected on these days will be collected week beginning 28th July.
• Refuse collection for Waterside households is unavailable. Black bins due to be collected on these days should be left for collection from Monday 21st July and remain at kerbside until collected during that week.
• Civic amenity sites will close to the public.
• Council’s Civic Offices on Strand Road and the Guildhall will close to the public from 9.00 am to 5.15 pm,
• All leisure facilities including Templemore, Lisnagelvin, Brooke Park, Shantallow Community Centre and St Columb’s Park Leisure Centres and the City Baths will close to the public,
• The Council’s Museum Services will also be affected with the Harbour Museum, the Workhouse Museum and the Tower Museum remaining closed to the public
• The proposed Council meeting on 17th July is rescheduled until Friday 18th July at 2.00pm with other council meetings rescheduled for later dates.

Mayor Cllr Gerard Diver said: "Normal service will resume on Friday 18th July and while this disruption is understandable to assist staff to express their views, I would urge both the UK National Employers' Organisation for Local Government Services and the Unions to arrive at an urgent agreement on this matter. It is important that public sector workers locally and across the UK feel it is important to express their views in this way. I trust the public will appreciate the concerns raised in relation to low pay".

Ends

For additional information contact:

Press Office

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