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NI coastguard staff go on strike NI coastguard staff go on strike
(10 minutes later)
Coastguard agency staff from NI have joined colleagues throughout the UK to stage their first ever strike.Coastguard agency staff from NI have joined colleagues throughout the UK to stage their first ever strike.
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.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.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. The strike 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.
It comes after four out of five workers backed industrial action.It comes after four out of five workers backed industrial action.
Peter Cardy, chief executive of the Maritime and Coastguard Agency, said he was saddened by the strike.
"I had hoped this strike could be avoided by our engagement with the trades unions, I have made it very clear to them that I want to keep talking about a longer term pay settlement to this dispute," he said.
"Safety at sea is the MCAs key priority and by our contingency plans which are now in place I can reassure the public that an emergency response for those at risk will not be compromised by industrial action."