Classroom Assistants Begin Strike

Around 3,000 classroom assistants who are members of the public service union NIPSA began an all-out strike today.

They have said they will not return to work until a new offer is made by employers, and the strike is likely to cause disruption in hundreds of schools.

However, concerns were expressed that special needs children are being victimised in the pay dispute.

NIPSA says the latest industrial action will continue until employers table a suitable pay offer. The union's General Secretary John Corey said the classroom assistants were justified in taking strike action.

NIPSA members went on strike for three days last week and one day the previous week, which meant many parents had to take time off work to care for their children.

The employers have offered a one-off payment of £15 million to compensate for some of the changes. However, NIPSA are refusing to accept this offer.

(CD)