Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council: More than 1,000 staff on strike

The council said all of its services are affected by the action

More than 1,000 council staff at Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council have gone on strike in a dispute about pay and conditions.

There was no agreement between unions and the council during talks last week, leading to the strike going ahead.

The council, one of Northern Ireland's largest, has said all of its services will be affected.

Members from three trade unions - GMB, Nipsa and Unite - are involved in strike action.

A strike had originally been planned to start on Wednesday 10 August but was postponed to facilitate the talks.

GMB regional organiser Alan Perry said that industrial action was a last resort.

"We would rather not be out on dispute - we'd rather be around the negotiating table," he told BBC News NI.

"As we stand here today that clearly is a far-off thing at this moment in time."

'Significant disruption'

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council said the strike would cause "significant disruption".

Services such as refuse, street cleaning and leisure would be affected, it added.

"The council deeply regrets that this action has taken place and the impact that it is having on residents," it said.

The council said it made a "substantial offer" to trade unions, including a £1,400 payment for all staff.

It added that its offer would have helped staff to deal with the cost-of-living crisis.

"The council remains committed to finding a resolution through ongoing discussions with trade unions," it said.

Kevin Kelly from Nipsa said the council had yet to make a formal offer to its staff.

Further strike action and action short of strike is due to continue over the next four weeks.