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Schools to close as 3,000 strike Schools disrupted by pay dispute
(about 4 hours 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 a dispute over the way their pay is calculated.
Some special schools are expected to close as 3,000 assistants, members of Nipsa, begin a three-day strike. Some special schools have closed as 3,000 assistants, members of Nipsa, begin a three-day strike.
Many mainstream schools have told parents whose children have assistants allocated to them, to keep them home.
Lily Kerr from Unison, which also represents classroom assistants, said its members will be consulted before deciding whether to go on strike.
"This is a last-ditch attempt by classroom assistants - the parents clearly understand the level of frustration.
"What we need to do now is actually enage with our members," Ms Kerr said.
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.
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.
However, after meeting representatives they have suspended the ballot.
We hope that the powers that be get together and resolve this Frank BuntingINTOWe 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.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.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."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.""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."