Day two of council staff strike

Rubbish was dumped at the gates of a recycling plant on Wednesday

Unions representing striking public sector workers are holding a rally in Derry on Thursday lunchtime.

It is the second and final day of a UK-wide strike by local government workers in a row over pay.

Unions say the rising cost of food and petrol effectively makes a 2.45% pay offer a pay cut, and they want 6%. Last month's inflation rate was 3.8%.

Employers warn frontline services could be affected or cut if salaries were to increase.

The City of Derry Airport has been forced to close and some council services have been affected.

The council-owned airport had hoped to secure an exemption for staff from the industrial action but this did not prove possible.

Ryanair, British Airways and Loganair flights from the City of Derry Airport have been cancelled, while charter services will operate from Belfast International Airport.

Key services such as libraries and leisure centres have seen some disruption and some homes have missed out on bin collections.

Fermanagh, Magherafelt and Omagh have reported their bin collection services will remain unaffected.

Leisure and community centres will be closed and many children's summer schemes have been postponed.

Is your council hit by the strike?

Employers say across the UK, just under a quarter of workers are taking part in the action. However, they claim the figure is lower in Northern Ireland.

The Local Government Association said the strike was regrettable, but the 2.45% pay increase was their best and final offer.

They also point out the unions are split on the issue, as the GMB union has accepted the pay deal.

Unions argue that with the cost of living becoming more and more expensive, their members need an increase of 6%.