Unions suspend strike by school support staff

The strike by non-teaching staff in Northern Ireland was suspended on Monday.

Nipsa and GMB said their action planned for Tuesday would also not go ahead.

A third union, Unite, has not called off its strike on Tuesday pending the conclusion of negotiations.

Workers of the three unions have taken action to combat wages and classifications.

The strikers include bus drivers, classroom assistants and canteen staff.

“Meaningful negotiations”

In a statement, Nipsa said the unions met with representatives of the Department of Education (DoE) and the Education Authority on Friday.

It said Energy Department officials had indicated they were willing to engage in serious negotiations to resolve the pay and classification review dispute.

“All unions responded by signalling their willingness to participate in negotiations,” the statement said.

Non-strike measures will continue to be taken and unions will strike again if negotiations are not conducted “in good faith and in a timely manner”.

The negotiations will take place on Monday.

Education Minister Paul Givan welcomed the suspension of the industrial action.

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

Mr Givan acknowledged “the extraordinary role that support staff play throughout the education sector”.

He added: “I will work with the unions to find a solution and remain confident that progress is possible.”

“I will work with my colleagues on the executive board to ensure that this outcome is achieved.”