A nationwide strike by SIPTU members in local authority water services has been averted following the decision by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh O’Brien, to concede to their demands to have all their earnings protected if they do not transfer to Uisce Éireann. — SIPTU Public Administration and Community Division Organiser, Karan O Loughlin, said: “A strike which was to commence on 7th June and could have adversely impacted water services across the country has been averted by the intervention of Minister O’Brien.