31 July 2026

SDLP Opposition AERA Spokesperson Daniel McCrossan MLA has slammed a threat from DAERA to cut the wages of vets for taking industrial action.

A department official told a union that government vets could face cuts of 25% to pay for taking action short of a strike.

West Tyrone MLA Daniel McCrossan said:

“This is a disgraceful attack on workers’ rights from DAERA and the Minister must urgently clarify his position on this. Instead of working with unions to resolve this dispute, they have turned to threats of pay deductions that will only escalate the situation further.

“Veterinary staff play a vital role within DAERA, from carrying out animal health checks and safeguarding welfare standards to supporting our farming community and protecting public health.

“At a time when the Executive has failed to progress the Good Jobs Bill, it is alarming that a government department thinks this is an appropriate way to deal with a legitimate workplace dispute and workers exercising their lawful right to industrial action. I urge the Minister to move away from this approach, get around the table and resolve this dispute.”