999 emergency call operators who are members of the Communications Workers' Union (CWU) are taking industrial action on Thursday (25th February) in a dispute with their employer, Conduit Global / BT Ireland.

The CWU’s campaign has been ongoing for 18 months, and the union is seeking engagement with the employer on the payment of a living wage, fair treatment at work, a fair On-Call policy and for the workers to be represented by the trade union.

The CWU says the action is about decency and respect at work and is seeking the support of trade unionists throughout the country.

CWU general secretary Steve Fitzpatrick said “These are hard working people who deliver a vital public service to a very high standard. The company has refused to meet us and we have been left with no other option but to take industrial action,” he said.

An online petition to support the workers is available here.