Disruption at Northern Ireland ports expected due to veterinary services strike

Members of the NIPSA trade union who work in Veterinary Services Animal Health Group have begun a five day strike that will impact operations at ports and meat factories in Northern Ireland.

This action began on Monday and will last 5 full days until midnight on Friday 3 November.

NIPSA claims the strike “has the potential to be the most significant and far-reaching targeted action ever undertaken by NICS members”.

The union adds that the strike represents the next part of the strategy to address the “derisory £552 pay award imposed for 2022/23″.

DAERA staff and supporters following their midnight walk-out from Belfast Port – the 5 days of action has got off to a brilliant start! pic.twitter.com/3XduSZ1eXF

— NIPSA (@nipsa) October 30, 2023

The British Meat Processors Association has told BBC News that no slaughter of livestock can occur place unless official vets are present. This, it is said, will result in plants having to shut down and thus food supply chain disruption.

A number of vets also won’t be on hand to conduct the checks required as part of the Windsor Framework agreement. As a consequence, a number of shipments will be need to be redirected onto crossings to the Republic of Ireland.

Photo: William Murphy / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED