This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/northern_ireland/7280452.stm

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
NI coastguard staff go on strike NI coastguard staff go on strike
(10 minutes later)
Coastguard agency staff from Northern Ireland are joining collegues throughout the UK to stage the first strike in their history. Coastguard agency staff from NI have joined colleagues throughout the UK to stage their first ever strike.
It comes after four out of five workers backed industrial action.
They are complaining that pay rates at the agency are "way behind" other emergency services.
The Public and Commercial Services union said up to 700 employees at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency are staging a 24-hour walkout.The Public and Commercial Services union said up to 700 employees at the Maritime and Coastguard Agency are staging a 24-hour walkout.
They are complaining that pay rates at the agency are "way behind" other emergency services.
Contingency plans to minimise disruption have been put in place by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
It is affecting emergency calls and operations at 19 UK search and rescue co-ordination centres, but not staff who are sent out to emergencies.It is affecting emergency calls and operations at 19 UK search and rescue co-ordination centres, but not staff who are sent out to emergencies.
The MCA said it was "saddened" by the planned strike.The MCA said it was "saddened" by the planned strike.
It comes after four out of five workers backed industrial action.