Coastguards go on strike in Northern Ireland

by Dave Keating | August 22, 2008 at 01:48 am

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Coastguards in Northern Ireland have gone on strike for the bank holiday weekend, and beachgoers are being warned to take caution as there will not be anyone to rescue them if they get into trouble. The strike is being called over a pay dispute.

People have been warned to take care on Northern Ireland’s coasts over the Bank Holiday as coastguard staff launch a 48-hour strike over pay.

Up to 20 co-ordinating staff in the main coastguard centre at Bangor could take part in the UK-wide stoppage by 700 employees of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA). It’s the third strike this year by members of the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS).

The MCA stressed that coastguard cover will be provided over the holiday weekend, but appealed to the public to take extra care on the sea, beach or cliffs as services will be affected. While the rescuers themselves will continue to operate as normal, the industrial action will be taken by those responsible for coordinating rescues.