Public transport workers in Northern Ireland have called off a strike that would have halted bus and train services on February 15.
The union says this is to give political leaders more scope to propose improvements to pay.
But if no wages are offered, the union has announced that bus and rail workers will go on strike for 72 hours starting February 27.
Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd welcomed the move, saying it was “the right move to give people time to get around the table and talk about pay”.
He added: “I am pleased to meet with the trade unions to discuss this important issue and encourage them to reach a resolution with TransLink management regarding wage compensation as soon as possible.”
Almost £600m of this will go towards resolving public sector payment claims.
After a meeting with Northern Ireland’s Finance Minister Caoimhhe Archibald, trade union umbrella body ICTU said it was confident it had the funds to resolve wage claims.
Gerry Murphy, ICTU deputy general secretary, said: “This fiscal package will ensure funding is available for public sector pay this year, with further funding to address both outstanding pay issues and reform measures such as regrading. Funding allocation will also be provided.”
stormont window
Many employees are paid less than those in other parts of the UK and have not received a pay rise in recent years.
Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said there was a “small window” in Stormont to offer pay offers to bus and rail workers.
He said any promise of increased funding needed to “translate into immediate and fair pay increases” for union members.
Shiptu regional organizer Niall McNally said members were “determined” to “get what they deserve”.
“Infrastructure Minister John O’Dowd will urgently address Northern Ireland’s public transport funding shortfall, ensure this vital public service is adequately funded and that public transport workers receive a cost-of-living increase. We need to do that,” he added. .
Meanwhile, GMB organizer Peter Macklin said: “Labour wants to give politicians and Translink more scope to increase living wage wages for public transport workers.”
“But they must be under no illusions. Without such an offer, members will have no choice but to proceed with the three days of action scheduled for the end of the month.”