Menu
25/09/2007
Ruane Acts In Classroom Assistants' Dispute
Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane, told the Assembly yesterday that she will intervene in the classroom assistants’ dispute.
A one-day strike is planned to take place on Wednesday, followed by more in coming weeks if agreement over pay is not reached.
The Minister spoke of the invaluable role classroom assistants provide to young people across Northern Ireland, including those with special needs.
Ms Ruane said: "I have decided that to make progress, I am going to intervene. I am now calling on the employing authorities to proceed as swiftly as possible to implement the new gradings so that these valuable staff receive the pay rates to which they are entitled as a result of the systematic job evaluation process which has been carried out.
These staff have already had to wait an unacceptable amount of time. We need to get the money to them that they deserve."
The Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA) confirmed last week that over 1,000 assistants voted in favour of a strike.
NIPSA said there was no other alternative, since changes were brought in which will affect new workers.
Managers want to calculate the pro-rata hourly rate on a full-time 36-hour week. It had previously been worked out on a 32.5 hour week.
NIPSA also said that if agreement was not reached soon, the crisis would lead to an all out strike.
(LC/SP)
A one-day strike is planned to take place on Wednesday, followed by more in coming weeks if agreement over pay is not reached.
The Minister spoke of the invaluable role classroom assistants provide to young people across Northern Ireland, including those with special needs.
Ms Ruane said: "I have decided that to make progress, I am going to intervene. I am now calling on the employing authorities to proceed as swiftly as possible to implement the new gradings so that these valuable staff receive the pay rates to which they are entitled as a result of the systematic job evaluation process which has been carried out.
These staff have already had to wait an unacceptable amount of time. We need to get the money to them that they deserve."
The Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA) confirmed last week that over 1,000 assistants voted in favour of a strike.
NIPSA said there was no other alternative, since changes were brought in which will affect new workers.
Managers want to calculate the pro-rata hourly rate on a full-time 36-hour week. It had previously been worked out on a 32.5 hour week.
NIPSA also said that if agreement was not reached soon, the crisis would lead to an all out strike.
(LC/SP)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
30 October 2007
School Strike Looming - Again
A trade union is to begin consulting its members on resuming strike action by classroom assistants. The Nipsa union has rejected a pay offer following weeks of discussion with employers. Education Minister Caitriona Ruane said she was extremely disappointed no agreement had been reached.
School Strike Looming - Again
A trade union is to begin consulting its members on resuming strike action by classroom assistants. The Nipsa union has rejected a pay offer following weeks of discussion with employers. Education Minister Caitriona Ruane said she was extremely disappointed no agreement had been reached.
25 November 2024
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
Visit Belfast Celebrates 25 Years of Transforming Tourism Landscape
Visit Belfast, the city's dedicated Destination Marketing and Management Organisation (DMMO), is celebrating a quarter-century of success.
21 November 2024
5 New Trends Sweeping The Online Gaming Industry
Online gaming is constantly changing. Each year, new trends emerge that shape the experiences of millions of players worldwide. This year is no different, with several exciting shifts capturing the attention of gamers everywhere.
5 New Trends Sweeping The Online Gaming Industry
Online gaming is constantly changing. Each year, new trends emerge that shape the experiences of millions of players worldwide. This year is no different, with several exciting shifts capturing the attention of gamers everywhere.
19 November 2024
Seating Matters To Create 62 New Jobs In £3.7m Investment
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced a significant investment by Seating Matters, a leading global manufacturer of therapeutic seating solutions. The company will invest £3.7 million in its facilities in Limavady and Derry, creating 62 new jobs over the next two years.
Seating Matters To Create 62 New Jobs In £3.7m Investment
Economy Minister Conor Murphy has announced a significant investment by Seating Matters, a leading global manufacturer of therapeutic seating solutions. The company will invest £3.7 million in its facilities in Limavady and Derry, creating 62 new jobs over the next two years.
18 November 2024
Belfast's Vacant To Vibrant Scheme To Expand Citywide
A successful scheme aimed at transforming vacant properties in Belfast city centre into thriving businesses is set to be extended across the entire city. Belfast City Council's Vacant to Vibrant programme has already breathed new life into 26 properties, with another six sites in the pipeline.
Belfast's Vacant To Vibrant Scheme To Expand Citywide
A successful scheme aimed at transforming vacant properties in Belfast city centre into thriving businesses is set to be extended across the entire city. Belfast City Council's Vacant to Vibrant programme has already breathed new life into 26 properties, with another six sites in the pipeline.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
