The Water Group of Trade Unions – GMB, Unite, and NIPSA – has called off industrial action as its members consider a new offer in the dispute over pensions.
The unions have stated that the “immediate focus” is now on supporting NI Water to return services to customers, 400 of whom still remain cut off from the mains.
GMB regional officer Alan Perry said “GMB and the other two unions, NIPSA and Unite, are satisfied that sufficient progress has been made to allow us to consult with our members on the offer tabled by NI Water.
“We are pleased to say that union representatives have in the meantime agreed that the industrial action can be suspended to allow for this consultation with our members to take place.”
NI Water chief executive Sara Venning added: “This is welcome news and my continued focus is now on working with our staff to restore services to all our customers.”
The dispute is over plans by NI Water to scrap the current pension scheme which the GMB claims will see staff needing to “work for more years for less” and cost them up to £100 per month.
The action began in December and has seen thousands of customers suffer disruptions to their water supplies.