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26/09/2007
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.
General Secretary of the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA), John Corey, yesterday said: "Talks alone will not solve this dispute. NIPSA will not be doing any deals behind closed doors."
He added: "The Minister, the Department and the Education and Library Boards need to appreciate the seriousness of this dispute.
"NIPSA will only be calling off these strikes when there is a confirmed new offer on the table, which is acceptable to our Classroom Assistant members."
The Union confirmed last week that over 93% of assistants voted in favour of a strike. They 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.
Further strike action is planned for 2, 3 and 4 October and an all-out strike on 8 October, if resolutions are not made.
(LC/SP)
Talks last night between employers and unions failed to reach an agreement.
General Secretary of the Northern Ireland Public Service Alliance (NIPSA), John Corey, yesterday said: "Talks alone will not solve this dispute. NIPSA will not be doing any deals behind closed doors."
He added: "The Minister, the Department and the Education and Library Boards need to appreciate the seriousness of this dispute.
"NIPSA will only be calling off these strikes when there is a confirmed new offer on the table, which is acceptable to our Classroom Assistant members."
The Union confirmed last week that over 93% of assistants voted in favour of a strike. They 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.
Further strike action is planned for 2, 3 and 4 October and an all-out strike on 8 October, if resolutions are not made.
(LC/SP)
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20 September 2007
Classroom Assistants To Strike
Classroom assistants across Northern Ireland are planning a one-day strike if negotiations are not reached over pay. The strike is planned to take place next Wednesday, 26 September, followed by more in the following weeks, if the situation is not resolved.
Classroom Assistants To Strike
Classroom assistants across Northern Ireland are planning a one-day strike if negotiations are not reached over pay. The strike is planned to take place next Wednesday, 26 September, followed by more in the following weeks, if the situation is not resolved.
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.
19 November 2007
Hospital Walk-Out In New Nipsa Dispute
There’s double trouble in store as hospital workers in Londonderry walk out in a row over workload. On top of a continuing Nipsa-backed classroom assistants’ strike across Northern Ireland – with staff returning to the picket lines this morning – the new development adds pressure in both sectors.
Hospital Walk-Out In New Nipsa Dispute
There’s double trouble in store as hospital workers in Londonderry walk out in a row over workload. On top of a continuing Nipsa-backed classroom assistants’ strike across Northern Ireland – with staff returning to the picket lines this morning – the new development adds pressure in both sectors.
15 November 2007
Classroom Assistants Walk Out Again
A rolling campaign of industrial action restarted today as more that 3,000 classroom assistants resumed their strike over pay and conditions. Nipsa union representatives will take two days of action each week until at least Christmas.
Classroom Assistants Walk Out Again
A rolling campaign of industrial action restarted today as more that 3,000 classroom assistants resumed their strike over pay and conditions. Nipsa union representatives will take two days of action each week until at least Christmas.
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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
