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28/09/2007
Fresh Talks To Resolve Classroom Assistants Dispute
Employers and trade unions will enter into new talks today in an attempt to break the deadlock over classroom assistants' pay.
Thousands of assistants marched through Belfast on Wednesday as part of a day of strike action over pay.
Interventions from Education Minister Caitriona Ruane to avert the strike did not produce any new offer to the trade unions from Education employers.
Speaking at Wednesday's rally, John Corey, General Secretary of the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA), said: "NIPSA will not be compromising on contractual entitlement to have Classroom Assistants' rates of pay based on 32.5hours per week."
Alison Millar, NIPSA's negotiator for Classroom Assistants also assured NIPSA members that no deal would be done "behind closed doors".
Meanwhile, the GMB union has criticised NIPSA's decision to hold the one-day strike on Wednesday. NIPSA picket lines were mounted at schools across the province with hundreds forced to close.
Further strike action is planned for 2, 3 and 4 October and an all-out strike on 8 October, if no resolution is reached.
(LC/SP)
Thousands of assistants marched through Belfast on Wednesday as part of a day of strike action over pay.
Interventions from Education Minister Caitriona Ruane to avert the strike did not produce any new offer to the trade unions from Education employers.
Speaking at Wednesday's rally, John Corey, General Secretary of the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA), said: "NIPSA will not be compromising on contractual entitlement to have Classroom Assistants' rates of pay based on 32.5hours per week."
Alison Millar, NIPSA's negotiator for Classroom Assistants also assured NIPSA members that no deal would be done "behind closed doors".
Meanwhile, the GMB union has criticised NIPSA's decision to hold the one-day strike on Wednesday. NIPSA picket lines were mounted at schools across the province with hundreds forced to close.
Further strike action is planned for 2, 3 and 4 October and an all-out strike on 8 October, if no resolution is reached.
(LC/SP)
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25 September 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.
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.
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.
08 October 2007
Classroom Assistants Begin Strike
Around 3,000 classroom assistants who are members of the public service union NIPSA began an all-out strike today. They have said they will not return to work until a new offer is made by employers, and the strike is likely to cause disruption in hundreds of schools.
Classroom Assistants Begin Strike
Around 3,000 classroom assistants who are members of the public service union NIPSA began an all-out strike today. They have said they will not return to work until a new offer is made by employers, and the strike is likely to cause disruption in hundreds of schools.
01 October 2007
Classroom Assistants' Pay Offer Rejected
A three-day strike by classroom assistants is set to go ahead as unions reject the latest pay offer. The main trade union representing classroom assistants has rejected the latest offer from Education and Library Boards to resolve the long running dispute over pay and grading.
Classroom Assistants' Pay Offer Rejected
A three-day strike by classroom assistants is set to go ahead as unions reject the latest pay offer. The main trade union representing classroom assistants has rejected the latest offer from Education and Library Boards to resolve the long running dispute over pay and grading.
26 September 2007
Classroom Assistants Strike Goes Ahead
The Classroom Assistants' strike in Belfast City Centre has gone ahead as planned despite Education Minister Caitríona Ruane's intervention yesterday. Talks last night between employers and unions failed to reach an agreement.
Classroom Assistants Strike Goes Ahead
The Classroom Assistants' strike in Belfast City Centre has gone ahead as planned despite Education Minister Caitríona Ruane's intervention yesterday. Talks last night between employers and unions failed to reach an agreement.
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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.
