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Belfast Telegraph
6 days ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
NI could see milk shortages due to industrial action by dairy production staff, warns trade union
Dale Farm however said there would be 'no interruption' to supply Northern Ireland could experience milk shortages as a result of industrial action at Dale Farm, a trade union has warned. Unite the Union has confirmed strike action at the dairy producer will begin next Wednesday, August 20. Engineers and drivers at multiple production sites will participate in an initial three-day walkout with a further three strike days scheduled for the following week. A planned escalation to a five-day strike is in place for the week after that, with all-out strike action commencing from the fourth week if a resolution is not reached. "Management knows what is needed to avoid this outcome' – Simon Hall (Unite) The move follows a formal members' ballot which saw 90% of drivers and 89% of engineers voting in favour of the action as row over pay rumbles on. The union said compensation for Dale Farm workers is lower than industry comparators in NI. Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said, 'Dale Farm engineers and drivers are determined to win a needed pay increase. Dale Farm is a highly successful enterprise and can afford to pay their skilled workforce properly. Read more Ballymena man appears in court accused of shooting ex-UVF boss in face with crossbow "The workers can count on the full support of Unite for as long as it takes to win fair pay and respect.' Unite General Secretary Sharon Graham Unite regional officer for the workforce Simon Hall said 'Dale Farm workers at multiple sites will participate in the strike. Given the involvement of so many drivers and engineers, this industrial action will very likely affect both milk collection and production. "Management knows what is needed to avoid this outcome: they need to provide an increase meeting our members' legitimate pay expectations.' However a spokesperson for Dale Farm insisted there would be no interruption to milk supplies as a result of the strike action. "We value all our staff and take pride in our employee relations. We believe we have made a very fair offer to this small group of our workforce, and we urge them, and Unite, to reconsider their decision,' they said. "Our farmers can be assured that we have contingency plans in place, and their milk will be collected, as normal, during this period. We also want to assure our customers and our consumers that there will be no interruption to the supply of any of our products. "We remain open to discussions with our team and Unite, in the hope of reaching a resolution.'
Sunday World
10-05-2025
- Sunday World
Daughter of man murdered by UVF-linked gang feels ‘vindicated' despite acquittal
Toni Ogle-Johnston says she was 'pleased' Stephen Matthews' co-accused Derek 'Banic' Lammey was found guilty of a charge of intimidation. Masked gang in the Pitt Park area of east Belfast linked to UVF trouble The daughter of a man murdered by a UVF-linked gang who gave evidence at the trial of Stephen Matthews says she feels vindicated – despite the alleged ex-UVF boss being acquitted. Toni Ogle-Johnston says she was 'pleased' Matthews' co-accused Derek 'Banic' Lammey was found guilty of a charge of intimidation. The case arose from a show-of-strength involving a masked gang in the Pitt Park/Fraser Pass area in February 2021. It had been claimed by those supporting the loyalist gathering of 40 masked and hooded men that it was merely a peaceful protest aimed at a group they claimed had been 'torturing' residents and said masks were only worn because of Covid. But despite acquitting 62-year-old Matthews – the alleged ex-boss of the East Belfast UVF who has denied any link to criminality – the judge at Belfast Crown Court determined the gathering of hooded and masked loyalists was a show-of-strength. Those inside the centre included the wife and daughter of murdered community worker Ian Ogle. Toni Ogle-Johnston was a key witness at the non-jury trial held earlier this year at Belfast Crown Court and when contacted by the Sunday World this week she said the case had proven what happened was an act of intimidation. Belfast murder victim Ian Ogle with daughter Toni. 'The conviction of Derek Lammey is great news because his conviction is proof of what happened on that day despite what others made it out to be,' she said. 'Plain and simple – like we always said – it was a show-of-strength to intimidate people in the area, including my family so we feel vindicated. 'It was a genuinely terrifying experience and now a Crown Court judge has confirmed that.' The crowd gathered outside the centre for a short period and some comments were directed to those inside before the group dispersed. When she was called to give evidence, Toni described the scene inside the centre as 'absolute chaos' and said the incident left her 'terrified'. According to the prosecution, 11 members of the public fled to the nearby Ballymac Centre, where they remained for up to eight days under a constant police presence. Loyalists Derek Lammey, left, and Stephen Matthews News in 90 seconds - 8th May 2025 'This included a pregnant woman, children and it's indicated they brought their dogs from their homes,' she submitted. 'They told police that they feared for their safety and their lives.' On Thursday a judge acquitted Matthews on charges of unlawful assembly, affray and intimidation, saying he was not persuaded that Matthews was definitely present. But while 60-year-old Lammey was acquitted on the unlawful assembly and affray charges, he was found guilty of the intimidation offence and was told by Judge Gordon Kerr KC that he will be sentenced on May 29. Judge Kerr spoke of the 'movement of the crowd' as they made their way to the centre, the shouts directed at those inside and the fear which Ms Johnston spoke about. He said that these features, coupled with the way the men were masked and the way they moved in a 'co-ordinated fashion' towards the centre, indicated the 'clear intention' of the group was to 'intimidate those inside the centre and keep them there'. Masked gang in the Pitt Park area of east Belfast linked to UVF trouble Branding this as a 'show of strength', Judge Kerr said he was 'firmly convinced' of Lammey's guilt and convicted him on the charge of intimidation. After he was acquitted, supporters of Matthews were quick to take to social media to congratulate him. Coke-dealer Maggie Hutton was also among the first to weigh in behind her friend. Hutton, who was convicted of dealing the class-A drug following a major investigation into East Belfast UVF by the PSNI's Paramilitary Crime Task Force last year, posted on Facebook: 'Couldn't wipe the smile of (sic) my face, great news.' And the post was liked by loyalist Thomas McCartney, who pleaded guilty to assisting offenders following the savage murder of Ian Ogle.
