Menu
06/11/2007
Parent Power Strike Solution Vetoed By Teachers Union
Schoolteachers have now threatened to strike if parents are allowed to act as stand-in classroom assistants.
This further escalation of the long-running dispute over pay and conditions for assistants is another headache for the education boards for whom bringing parents into schools was one of the contingency plans in the event of a further strike by union, Nipsa.
The boards are hoping to prevent the closure of special needs schools as happening last month during a 10-day strike by classroom assistants which shut more than half of the schools.
The union which has been on strike, Nipsa, has now informed the education boards that it intends to hold another stoppage on or after next Monday.
However, Seamus Searson, NASUWT, said all five teacher unions will take industrial action if unqualified and unchecked adults are allowed to work in schools.
All the unions are writing to their members telling them to meet school principals and tell them they will not co-operate with such measures.
Helen McClenaghan, chief executive of the Southern Education Board, speaking for all five boards, said: "The focus must be on children and young people and particularly the most vulnerable children.
"Contingency arrangements are only necessary if Nipsa pursues its indefensible stand."
She urged the union to ballot its members again and also emphasised that, under the contingency plans, parents would only be responsible for their own children – and not be dealing with anyone elses kids.
But Bumper Graham of Nipsa said the employers' proposals were "ill thought-out" and warned: "We are the largest union by far in this dispute... the issue is that there is a dispute, there is only one way to resolve this and that is meaningful engagement."
The rival GMB union has revealed that its classroom assistant members had voted four to one in favour of the current offer from the employers and won’t be striking.
(BMcC)
This further escalation of the long-running dispute over pay and conditions for assistants is another headache for the education boards for whom bringing parents into schools was one of the contingency plans in the event of a further strike by union, Nipsa.
The boards are hoping to prevent the closure of special needs schools as happening last month during a 10-day strike by classroom assistants which shut more than half of the schools.
The union which has been on strike, Nipsa, has now informed the education boards that it intends to hold another stoppage on or after next Monday.
However, Seamus Searson, NASUWT, said all five teacher unions will take industrial action if unqualified and unchecked adults are allowed to work in schools.
All the unions are writing to their members telling them to meet school principals and tell them they will not co-operate with such measures.
Helen McClenaghan, chief executive of the Southern Education Board, speaking for all five boards, said: "The focus must be on children and young people and particularly the most vulnerable children.
"Contingency arrangements are only necessary if Nipsa pursues its indefensible stand."
She urged the union to ballot its members again and also emphasised that, under the contingency plans, parents would only be responsible for their own children – and not be dealing with anyone elses kids.
But Bumper Graham of Nipsa said the employers' proposals were "ill thought-out" and warned: "We are the largest union by far in this dispute... the issue is that there is a dispute, there is only one way to resolve this and that is meaningful engagement."
The rival GMB union has revealed that its classroom assistant members had voted four to one in favour of the current offer from the employers and won’t be striking.
(BMcC)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
18 November 2024
Other News In Brief
Two Arrested After Dangerous Driving Incident In North Belfast Two men have been arrested following a dangerous driving incident in north Belfast in the early hours of Monday, November 18th. The incident began on the Whitewell Road, where a car was observed driving erratically.
Other News In Brief
Two Arrested After Dangerous Driving Incident In North Belfast Two men have been arrested following a dangerous driving incident in north Belfast in the early hours of Monday, November 18th. The incident began on the Whitewell Road, where a car was observed driving erratically.
16 April 2004
Coleraine Social Security contingency plans announced
The Social Security Agency today announced that special arrangements have been made to maintain services during the strike action planned by Civil Servants at its Coleraine office on Monday. The strike is a continuation by members of the trade union, NIPSA over pay conditions.
Coleraine Social Security contingency plans announced
The Social Security Agency today announced that special arrangements have been made to maintain services during the strike action planned by Civil Servants at its Coleraine office on Monday. The strike is a continuation by members of the trade union, NIPSA over pay conditions.
09 November 2007
Nipsa Calls Out Assistants - Again!
The run up to Christmas will be marked by a fresh phase of walkouts by local classroom assistants who are to resume their strike action next week. The Nipsa union members will be out on picket lines two days a week until Christmas, and many special schools will be affected.
Nipsa Calls Out Assistants - Again!
The run up to Christmas will be marked by a fresh phase of walkouts by local classroom assistants who are to resume their strike action next week. The Nipsa union members will be out on picket lines two days a week until Christmas, and many special schools will be affected.
01 October 2003
Shorts workers vote in favour of strike action
Members of the largest trade union group at Bombardier Shorts have narrowly voted in favour of strike action. The ballot, by trade union group Amicus, called on members to vote on whether they were prepared to take strike action over the current jobs threat at the aerospace company as well as a recent change in afternoon shift patterns.
Shorts workers vote in favour of strike action
Members of the largest trade union group at Bombardier Shorts have narrowly voted in favour of strike action. The ballot, by trade union group Amicus, called on members to vote on whether they were prepared to take strike action over the current jobs threat at the aerospace company as well as a recent change in afternoon shift patterns.
08 May 2002
Strike action at Aldergrove suspended pending talks
Security staff at Belfast International Airport have returned to their jobs just hours after they commenced strike action following fresh talks between union officials and their employers. Around 100 security staff employed by aviation security firm ICTS went on strike from 4am to 8am on Wednesday May 7 in protest over pay and conditions.
Strike action at Aldergrove suspended pending talks
Security staff at Belfast International Airport have returned to their jobs just hours after they commenced strike action following fresh talks between union officials and their employers. Around 100 security staff employed by aviation security firm ICTS went on strike from 4am to 8am on Wednesday May 7 in protest over pay and conditions.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and 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.
