Classroom helpers picket schools

Protestors plan to hold another three-day strike next month

Classroom assistants in Northern Ireland have picketed outside schools as part of one-day strike action.

The dispute centres on pay and re-grading, and has been going on for 12 years without resolution.

Unions and employers representatives had been upbeat following last-minute talks on Tuesday, but the strike nevertheless went ahead.

Most special schools did not open, while a number of mainstream schools had to close at lunchtime.

Some parents of pupils with special needs kept their children at home.

Another three-day strike is planned for October.

The Department of Education has denied that any classroom assistant will lose out in the job evaluation scheme which is being negotiated.

This is a time for moving forward, and I am convinced this dispute can be resolved through dialogue that explores new and creative thinking Caitriona Ruane Education minister

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.

It said some current staff would get pay rises back-dated 12 years but others would not get increases.

Following Tuesday's talks, Ms Ruane said she was "pleased that progress has been made towards resolving this dispute and recognising the invaluable work that classroom assistants perform for our children".

"This is a time for moving forward, and I am convinced this dispute can be resolved through dialogue that explores new and creative thinking," she said.

"Further meetings are planned for coming days and by sticking at this we can achieve a positive outcome."