Fishery workers net better deal

 

Fishery workers net better deal

By Mark Metcalf – uniteLANDWORKER Summer 2026

Christopher Feenan is taking over from Jim Leneghan as the Unite rep at the Northern Ireland Fishing  Harbour Authority (NIFHA) and hopes to maintain recent progress in pay and conditions.

NIFHA, a public sector arms-length body funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA),  manages the ports of Ardglass, Kilkeel and Portavogie, which last year had a combined turnover of £27.4m.

Previously non-unionised, NIFHA staff finally won recognition rights with Unite in late 2023. 25+ workers grabbed the chance to become members.

Conflict developed after management failed to keep basic pay in line with inflation or award pay increments that were recommended in a 2019 external grading review. NIFHA had never paid more than the national minimum wage.

Low wages meant it was difficult retaining the skilled staff required to ensure a high standard  service for the private boats that generally go fishing two to three days at a time.  

A fall in fish landed threatened to damage a fragile rural economy that includes fish processing factories, seaside restaurants, chip shops and supermarkets.

Despite NIFHA declaring itself an accredited Living Wage employer which should have been, at least, £12 an hour (from October 2023) NIFHA had never paid more than the national minimum wage.

Jim had been a loyal NIFHA employee for over 20 years. “I felt betrayed considering our skills, experiences and dedication. The authority was making sufficient monies to treat us better. We were on the £11.44 minimum hourly wage.” 

Based at Ardglass, a fishing port for over 2,000 years, Jim became the elected Unite rep for the three ports.

He said, “Taking strike action was considered to help our families. “

In the event strike action was not needed as for the first time ever, UNITE could push NIFHA into negotiating.

The positive outcome secured pay increases for 2024 of 3% and 6% for 2025. Depending on grades, workers received between £2,500 and £3,000 back pay just before Christmas.

Christopher, a deputy harbour master said, “It was a welcome result, we are pretty chuffed.”

“Maternity pay has also improved…back pay will be paid.”

 Recently the restrictions that had previously prevented staff who left before a pay deal was agreed was ended. Back pay will be paid out. It is all thanks to UNITE.

A harbour operative now earns £13.31 hourly. Whilst this remains below the voluntary National Living Wage of £13.45 an hour (from March 2026) it is considerably more than the hourly national minimum wage of £12.71 and translates into round £1,100 a year.  

Unfortunately, Increased wages have not prevented workers looking for work at the 11 Northern Ireland private ports and harbours.

Christoper said, “Some key staff have departed. When the authority tried to recruit recently it was impossible to find staff. It would benefit ourselves and the business if we were better paid.”