MLA joins striking staff at St Paul's High School

Non-teaching staff across Northern Ireland took to the picket lines last week to take part in a 48-hour strike over pay and conditions. The latest round of action is over a pay and grading review. Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty joined the staff on the picket line and said that school support staff feel like they have been pushed aside and taken for granted.

Mr McNulty said “Many of these staff are lifelines in schools and are vital for the wellbeing of students who may have particular challenges arising from autism or from special or complex needs.

“Classroom and general assistants are the first port of call for children who are struggling. They care passionately about their students and families who recognise they need a helping hand and caring heart. They are like counsellors for many youngsters and help them through very difficult times for them academically and personally."

The MLA continued “They do all this while earning only a little bit over minimum wage and whilst trying to help ever increasing numbers of children who need assistance.

“Classroom assistants, general assistants and support staff are worth their weight in gold. They deserve recognition for their hugely important work and caring support. They deserve fair pay as a minimum.

“Teachers, classroom assistants and support staff as a minimum deserve to have their agreed pay and grading system implemented now!”