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13/05/2005
Thousands picket over education cuts
Thousands of education board workers have gone on strike today in protest against alleged Government cutbacks to Northern Ireland's education budget.
Nipsa, Unison and T&G members voted to take industrial action over what the unions claim is a £30 million cutback. Special schools on Friday were among the worst hit by the strike by canteen staff, classroom assistants and ancillary staff.
In Belfast, 10 of 11 special schools had no pupils while the 11th took a half-day with classroom assistants, catering and transport workers all involved in the stoppage.
Newly installed Education Minister Angela Smith said that she wanted to ensure that everyone interested in the best possible education for children should be working together.
Commenting on the strike, she said: "We should all be working together, not against each other and that's why it is deeply regrettable that today's industrial action is taking place.
"I have only just taken on the responsibility for Education in Northern Ireland and I want to say at the outset that I want to meet all the key groups and organisations as early as possible."
Today’s strike action in Belfast was mirrored across Northern Ireland as three unions representing 12,000 staff took to the picket lines.
There were reports on Friday that some teaching staff had also refused to cross picket lines.
(MB/SP)
Nipsa, Unison and T&G members voted to take industrial action over what the unions claim is a £30 million cutback. Special schools on Friday were among the worst hit by the strike by canteen staff, classroom assistants and ancillary staff.
In Belfast, 10 of 11 special schools had no pupils while the 11th took a half-day with classroom assistants, catering and transport workers all involved in the stoppage.
Newly installed Education Minister Angela Smith said that she wanted to ensure that everyone interested in the best possible education for children should be working together.
Commenting on the strike, she said: "We should all be working together, not against each other and that's why it is deeply regrettable that today's industrial action is taking place.
"I have only just taken on the responsibility for Education in Northern Ireland and I want to say at the outset that I want to meet all the key groups and organisations as early as possible."
Today’s strike action in Belfast was mirrored across Northern Ireland as three unions representing 12,000 staff took to the picket lines.
There were reports on Friday that some teaching staff had also refused to cross picket lines.
(MB/SP)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
