NI classroom assistants to strike

Classroom assistants are taking strike action

Classroom assistants across Northern Ireland are planning a one-day strike unless agreement is reached over pay.

The strike is planned for next Wednesday, with more action to follow.

The Department of Education said it regretted the move which could "disrupt the education of some children".

Janette Murdock, classroom assistant at Tor Bank Special School in Dundonald, said the decision to strike had not been taken lightly.

"If this isn't sorted out the children's education will suffer more. Experienced and qualified staff will be forced to leave the job," she said.

"The boards will have downgraded the jobs so much that they will have created an inexperienced, high-turnover workforce - that will affect children more in the long-term."

What will happen if this treatment continues is that many will leave their positions, as they cannot to afford to stay Dawn Purvis PUP leader

PUP leader Dawn Purvis said she supported the classroom assistants' stance.

"What will happen if this treatment continues is that many will leave their positions, as they cannot to afford to stay."

Dominic Bradley of the assembly's education committee said he brought the issue before the assembly asking for an equitable settlement, and it had been endorsed.

He said the committee was fully behind the classroom assistants.

In a statement, the Department of Education added: "Given that discussions between the unions and the employers are on-going it would not be appropriate to comment further."