SDLP leader, Foyle MLA Colum Eastwood, has offered his support to Electoral Office staff who will go on strike this Friday in opposition to branch closures across the North.
There plans to close a number offices including the one in Derry.
Mr Eastwood also called on Secretary of State Theresa Villiers to intervene and resolve the dispute.
He said: “Electoral Office staff perform a vital function and are excellent servants of our democracy.
“Over the course of the last number of months, and indeed the last number of years, they have put in long hours and worked tirelessly to ensure that the democratic process was carried out to the highest possible standards.
“It is critical that our democracy is open and accessible to as many people as possible.
“That’s why regional offices of the Electoral Office are vital to participation across Northern Ireland.
“They organise registration clinics and process absentee ballots, ensuring the maximum engagement throughout the election period.
“It is unacceptable that they now face imminent closure and 30 skilled individuals are facing the prospect of losing their jobs. They can be assured of my support and the solidarity of the SDLP in this fight.”
Mr Eastwood concluded: “The Secretary of State must intervene to reverse the short sighted plan to close these regional offices. I’ll be raising this issue when I meet with her this week."
Photo shows Mr Eastwood handing in his nomination papers at the Derry electoral office ahead of last month’s Assembly Election.
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