Re. Belfast violence and riots - All FSU Members, Northern Ireland

To:  All FSU Members, Northern Ireland

We echo the sentiments of our Congress of Trade Unions when ICTU Assistant General Secretary Gerry Murphy said:

“The trade union movement stands with the victim of a horrendous knife attack in north Belfast, and his neighbours who came out and defended him. We stand with the emergency services who addressed the scene and are caring for his serious injuries in hospital. We stand with the police officers who arrested the assailant and all police officers who have, in turn, faced appalling violence which has no motive beyond raw racism. We stand with all families whose property has been targeted and their safety put in danger by thugs hiding their faces behind masks and scarves. We stand with the workers and business owners forced to close their shops and services as threats were made on social media and in person.”

When this violence started we worked with employers to try to ensure that the health and safety of our members was protected. We secured a number of early finishes, temporarily closed branches and work from home arrangements, depending on the circumstances, to try and best protect our members.

It is very unfortunate and deeply disappointing that workers in Northern Ireland had to face this. We will continue to monitor the situation, engage with employers and support our Congress of Trade Unions , ICTU, on this matter.

Dr. Gareth Murphy

Head of Industrial Relations and Campaigns