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Schools to close as 3,000 strike Schools to close as 3,000 strike
(10 minutes later)
Thouands of classroom assistants are on strike in an escalation of their dispute over re-grading.Thouands of classroom assistants are on strike in an escalation of their dispute over re-grading.
Some special schools are to close as 3,000 assistants who are members of Nipsa begin a three-day strike. Some special schools are expected to close as 3,000 assistants, members of Nipsa, begin a three-day strike.
On Friday, the unions were offered a new deal which included a £15m one-off payment to compensate for a change in the way salaries are calculated.On Friday, the unions were offered a new deal which included a £15m one-off payment to compensate for a change in the way salaries are calculated.
Unions say that could mean £2,500 for each assistant. However, Nipsa said the offer did not go far enough.Unions say that could mean £2,500 for each assistant. However, Nipsa said the offer did not go far enough.
Special schools will be hardest hit. Many of them may have to close as it is too risky for pupils with special needs to attend without their assistants.Special schools will be hardest hit. Many of them may have to close as it is too risky for pupils with special needs to attend without their assistants.
Many mainstream schools have told parents whose children have assistants allocated to them, to keep them at home.Many mainstream schools have told parents whose children have assistants allocated to them, to keep them at home.
An all-out strike by Nipsa is planned from next Monday unless a settlement is agreed.An all-out strike by Nipsa is planned from next Monday unless a settlement is agreed.
The other main union, Unison, was to have held a ballot on strike action.The other main union, Unison, was to have held a ballot on strike action.
However, after meeting with representatives they have suspended the ballot. However, after meeting representatives they have suspended the ballot.
We hope that the powers that be get together and resolve this Frank BuntingINTO
Frank Bunting, from the Irish National Teachers' Organisation (INTO), said teachers needed to stand behind the classroom assistants and understand their difficulties.
The problem was "intractable", he said.
"Nipsa has been a strong union for many years, it is a democratic union, locally based, with a tremendous amount of accountability. I have enormous regard for them.
"It is going to be very difficult in schools for teachers and principals trying to manage this sensitive situation. We hope that the powers that be get together and resolve this."