First Minister Designate Michelle O’Neill has reiterated Sinn Féin’s full support for public sector workers in their efforts to get fair pay.

Speaking after a party delegation met with the Irish Congress Trade Unions (ICTU) at Stormont today, Michelle O’Neill said:

“Today we met with representatives of ICTU at Stormont to discuss the challenges facing workers and the urgent need to restore the Assembly and Executive.

“While one party continues with its blockade, savage Tory cuts have denied fair pay rises to local workers in health, education and other frontline public services.

“These workers have once again been forced to go out on picket lines to demand their rights as they continue to struggle with rising living costs.

“I reiterated Sinn Féin’s full support for public sector workers in their efforts to achieve fair pay and safe working conditions.

“These workers are instrumental in the delivery of key public services and working on the coalface in health, education, and the economy.

“Health and social care workers in our hospitals are burnt out from working long hours in conditions that are unsafe and chronically understaffed.

“In the absence of a functioning Executive, the British government must get on with delivering a fair deal for health and social care workers and others without delay. It’s the least they deserve.

“I am absolutely determined to lead an Executive that works together to make politics work and deliver for workers and families.”