Farmers 'forgotten about' as government vet strike impacts food supply chain

As government vets, portal inspectors and meat inspectors strike over pay, farmers tell UTV they've been "forgotten about".

Those on strike play a pivotal role in the movement and safety of animals in Northern Ireland.

Without them, normal operations at all ports and abattoirs will be disrupted this week, with concerns already raised over potential backlogs.

It means animals cannot be slaughtered, therefore creating a pinch-point in the food supply chain here.

Deputy President of the Ulster Farmers Union, John McLenaghan, said: "Probably the biggest effect will be seen in the red meat sector, based on the reason that the cattle can stand for longer.

"But that doesn't take into account the effect that it has on farmers. The farmers have to pay to keep those animals, they have to feed them for an additional time without any additional gain.

"Most of the effects of this strike will be felt back on the farm."

NIPSA General Secretary, Carmel Gates, said: "It is going to be disruptive but I want to assure those people affected who are the collateral damage, that it is not our intention to harm the retail industry, it is not out intention to harm the farming industry, but these workers are now last resort."

Carmel says it is "untenable" for the Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris to "sit back and watch this happen".

"I have asked for meetings with him, I have written to him on four occasions.

"We gave loads of notice of this dispute in the hope that he might see fit to meet with workers. He's steadfastly refusing which is just incomprehensible."

A Northern Ireland Office spokesperson said: “The Secretary of State would be happy to meet with representatives from NIPSA to discuss the industrial action, but the UK Government has no authority to negotiate public sector pay in Northern Ireland.

“The Secretary of State's priority is to see the return of locally elected, accountable and effective devolved government, which is the best way for Northern Ireland to be governed.”

A DAERA spokesman said: “As confirmed by NIPSA, this is a NICS-wide, planned five-day industrial action by NIPSA and GMB members. A significant number of staff across DAERA’s Veterinary Service Animal Health Group (VSAHG) are on strike.

“The Department respects the rights of its staff to take industrial action and deeply regrets that the 2022 NICS Pay Award could not have been higher due to the very challenging budgetary position .

“As soon as the likelihood of this strike action became apparent, the Department commenced its business continuity planning and in the period since then has engaged extensively with stakeholders and operators on the potential impacts.

"It also advised operators of businesses that rely on DAERA services to consider activating their own business continuity/emergency plans.

“NIPSA has granted derogations to ensure that poultry slaughter continues and for the provision of cover for the 24-hour epizootic on call rota.

"Both have been granted on the basis that they will only take effect if required. Other requests for derogations were not granted.

“As of today, DAERA has been able to provide some level of service to the intensive livestock sector and is monitoring activities across portal and field operations and, where possible, is taking action to mitigate the worst impacts on service delivery.

"We are keeping the situation under review and engaging with our stakeholders to inform them of what level of service they can expect.

“It is important to note that while some limited mitigations are available to us, any steps taken must be in line with the relevant legislation and NICS policy governing strike action.

“Advice on all sectors affected can be found here: Sectors Affected by Planned 5-day Industrial Action 30 October - 03 November 2023.pdf (daera-ni.gov.uk)”

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