Unions suspend planned strike action

A strike by thousands of non-teaching assistants was planned for Monday and Tuesday.

Planned strike action by education workers in Northern Ireland has largely been suspended to allow further talks on pay and grading.

A strike by thousands of non-teaching assistants was planned for Monday and Tuesday.

The unions NIPSA and GMB have agreed to suspend action on both days to allow further discussions on resolving the pay and grading dispute.

A third union, Unite, is suspending its strikes on Monday pending the outcome of negotiations due to take place the same day.

Non-teaching staff, including bus drivers, classroom assistants, cleaners and canteen staff, took part in three days of action in May.

Patrick Mulholland, deputy general secretary of NIPSA, said: “The Northern Ireland Assembly now has a small window of opportunity to find a solution to this bitter dispute.”

“Our members expect fair compensation that reflects their hard work and dedication.

“If this does not happen, we will return to the picket lines with all the force at our disposal.

“The choice is clear: a fair solution or strikes and unrest in our education system.”

Education Minister Paul Givan said the unions’ move would mean many schools that had planned to close on Monday and Tuesday could now reopen.

“I welcome today’s positive development that the unions have agreed to suspend their strike action next week to allow for intensive negotiations to resolve the ongoing pay and grading dispute,” he said.

“Above all, this means that many schools that wanted to close on Monday and Tuesday will now be able to open as usual.”

The Minister added: “I fully recognise the outstanding role of support staff across the education sector. Without their outstanding commitment and hard work, those who most depend on the services they provide would not receive the vital support they need and deserve.”

“I am fully committed to working with the unions to find a solution and remain confident that progress can be made. I will work with my colleagues in management to ensure that this is the outcome.”