Day two of council staff walk-out

The second day of a 48-hour strike by council workers and local government staff has caused further disruption.

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 cut if salaries were to increase.

Bin collectors, leisure centre workers and librarians have been among those on picket lines, though the level of disruption has varied across councils.

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Normal bin collection service was reported in Antrim, Armagh, Ards, Ballymoney, Banbridge, Dungannon, Fermanagh, Magherafelt, Moyle and Omagh.

The council-run City of Derry airport has remained closed, as has Belfast Zoo, and many leisure centres across Northern Ireland were shut down.

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.

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