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School helpers strike escalates School helpers strike escalates
(about 2 hours later)
Indefinite strike action has begun by classroom assistants who are members of the public service union Nipsa. Industrial action by classroom assistants over job re-grading is due to escalate into an indefinite strike.
Three other unions are consulting members on an offer of a one-off £15m payment to compensate for a change in the way salaries are calculated. The strike, by 3,000 members of the public service union NIPSA, is likely to close about 50 special schools for the foreseeable future.
They said that could mean £2,500 for each assistant. However, Nipsa insists that the offer does not go far enough. It is also expected to cause disruption in hundreds of mainstream schools.
Three of the unions involved in the dispute are consulting their members over the deal. There are no more negotiating talks planned.
The unions have been complaining about a change in the length of the working week on which their salary would be based, about the removal of an allowance for special needs and the ending of recognition for higher qualifications.
Compensate
Last week's three-day strike by classroom assistants belonging to the public sector of NIPSA badly affected special schools and meant parents had to take time off work to care for their special needs children.
The employers have offered an extra £15m as a one-off payment to compensate for some of the changes.
They said that could mean £2,500 for each assistant.
However, Nipsa insists that the offer does not go far enough.
The main sticking point is the change in the number of hours that assistants have to work to get a full salary.The main sticking point is the change in the number of hours that assistants have to work to get a full salary.
Some of the unions involved admit that if classroom assistants are treated as a special case, other job sectors could take legal action claiming unequal treatment.
Nipsa members went on strike for three days last week, and the union says this latest industrial action will continue until employers table a pay offer which addresses three key issues:
  • to have pay based on school working hours of 32.5 per week rather than 36 hours;
  • to continue to be paid special needs allowance of £1,107 per year or £0.65 pence per hour;
  • to have NVQ Level 3 qualifications recognised.
Education Minister Caitriona Ruane has been urged by the assembly's education committee to use her influence to end the dispute.
Special schools have so far been worst affected by the dispute, with most closing on days of strike action.
Several mainstream schools had to close at lunchtime, while some parents kept pupils with special needs at home.