School helpers strike escalates

Nipsa members have escalated their action into an indefinite strike

Industrial action by classroom assistants over job re-grading has escalated into an indefinite strike.

The strike, by 3,000 members of the public service union NIPSA, has closed 27 of Northern Ireland's 45 special schools.

Education Minister Caitriona Ruane said progress had been made in negotiations and three of the four unions involved were consulting members.

She said she had "huge respect" for the job done by classroom assistants.

"In light of the improved offer of 28 September, I would call on those engaged in industrial action to desist from any action that places the burden of the disagreement on to those children and families who most need help," she said.

There are no more negotiating talks planned. All classroom assistants have received a letter outlining the offer on the table, Ms Ruane said.

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.