Civilian PSNI staff have secured an increase to “danger money” allowance after voting in favour of strike action earlier this year, the union has said.
According to Nipsa, staff has secured an increase of 144% while the union is continuing to negotiate arrangements for an annual uplift.
The strike action centred on the issue of “Revised Environmental Allowance”, more commonly known as “danger money”.
Previously civilian staff were receiving an allowance of around £580 annually, while their police officer counterparts were paid almost £4,000.
Earlier this year Nipsa members within the organisation – of which there are around 2,300 – voted “overwhelmingly” in favour of the strike action, which would begin on July 11.
The action was subsequently suspended to allow for negotiations to conclude on a new allowance which would be effective from April 1, 2025.
According to the union, as part of these arrangements an interim payment was made to staff.
Alan Law, Nipsa assistant secretary, said: “The outcome of our ballot left PSNI Management and the Minister for Justice in no doubt about the determination of Nipsa’s membership to achieve an increase in the allowance which had been static for years.
“I am delighted to confirm that the new allowance has now been approved for payment from April and amounts to an increase of 144% on the existing one.
“This reflects how long it had not been increased for, and also properly reflects its purpose. We will be negotiating arrangements with PSNI management to ensure the allowance is reviewed annually which will avoid this happening in the future.
“Nipsa police staff members are to be congratulated in their determination to engage in an industrial action ballot, deliver a strong mandate for action and to ensure this matter was resolved satisfactorily.” Earlier this year 91% of members balloted voted in favour of the strike action, with 96% voting for action short of strike action.
Union chiefs said that the figures indicated the anger amongst members over the disparity between their REA allowance and that of officers.
The Department of Justice has been contacted for comment.