PRESS RELEASE: UNISON DEMAND DELIVERY OF BETTER PAY FOR EDUCATION WORKERS

UNISON members in their thousands will continue industrial action over coming days and weeks in schools and EA offices across Northern Ireland. They are also issuing a strong warning to the powers that be that their patience is running out.

Senior UNISON representative for Education and Local Government workers in Northern Ireland Catherine Mc Kenna stressed “we should not be taken for granted. The Minister asked for time to secure Treasury agreement to repurpose scheduled funds to deliver pay improvement.

A NI pay and grading review for Education support workers has to address low starting rates, too many steps on pay spines, poor pay levels for supervisory responsibilities, poor pay recognition for skill levels.

All parties have publicly declared support for this just cause. Now it is time for them to deliver. They need to ensure the dispute will be settled and school gates will open for the new school year.

While hoping for the best we will not accept indefinite delay. We are preparing to extend future industrial action.

UNISON members in voluntary Grammar schools, the integrated sector and Irish language medium schools will be balloted. Funding for pay improvement for these workers has been included in the case to Treasury. These employers have yet to agree collective bargaining arrangements with trade unions. UNISON fully intends to see their staff get their fair share.