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School strike looking inevitable School helpers will go on strike
(about 3 hours later)
A strike by classroom assistants looks set to go ahead on Wednesday, despite last-minute talks between unions and Education Minister Caitriona Ruane. Northern Ireland's 7,000 classroom assistants are set to stage a one-day strike on Wednesday.
Ms Ruane has also been meeting education employers to try to settle the long-running re-grading dispute. But last-minute talks between unions and employers ended with both sides upbeat about a possible settlement.
Union representatives are expected to hold more talks with employers later. Education Minister Caitriona Ruane met both parties earlier in an attempt to resolve the 12-year-long dispute, which centres on salaries and pay grades.
However, the unions say that even if a deal is reached which can be recommended to members, it will be too late to call off the strike.
Most special schools are expected not to open, while a number of mainstream schools plan to close at lunchtime.Most special schools are expected not to open, while a number of mainstream schools plan to close at lunchtime.
Others say that parents of pupils with special needs may keep their children at home.Others say that parents of pupils with special needs may keep their children at home.
Another three-day strike is planned for October.Another three-day strike is planned for October.
Caitriona Ruane has been meeting unions and employersThe dispute goes back 12 years and affects Northern Ireland's 7,000 classroom assistants. Caitriona Ruane has been meeting unions and employers
The Department of Education has denied that any classroom assistant will lose out in the job evaluation scheme which is being negotiated.The Department of Education has denied that any classroom assistant will lose out in the job evaluation scheme which is being negotiated.
All staff have been told they will not lose any pay or pension as long as they remain in their current jobs.All staff have been told they will not lose any pay or pension as long as they remain in their current jobs.
Unison, which represents 2,500 classroom assistants, said although this statement was correct, the real issue was how the deal would affect those who apply for the jobs in the future.Unison, which represents 2,500 classroom assistants, said although this statement was correct, the real issue was how the deal would affect those who apply for the jobs in the future.
It said some current staff would get pay rises back-dated 12 years but others would not get increases.It said some current staff would get pay rises back-dated 12 years but others would not get increases.