Education Minister welcomes move on strike

Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has welcomed the news that NIPSA is to recommend that classroom assistants end their strike.

The Minister said; “This is welcome news, not just for the classroom assistants themselves, but also for the children who have been affected over the past few weeks.

“This breakthrough could give a valuable breathing space to allow the talks to continue without the added pressure of the strike. The fact that all sides have agreed to further talks is a positive sign of a willingness to resolve this dispute across the discussion table and not across a picket line.

“I thank UNISON, GMB, T&G Unite, NIPSA and the management side for keeping at this all weekend to achieve this result.

“I understand that NIPSA members will meet soon to decide on this. I hope they can agree to end the strike and enable a speedy return to the valuable work they do in our schools.”