NIPSA, the largest union from the Non-Teaching workforce in Education, representing over 8,000 members working across schools, support services and Education Authority HQ, announces the commencement of Action Short of Strike Action and Strike Action.
Alan Law, Assistant Secretary, commenting on the action added:
“NIPSA Education members working in Schools and Education Authority HQ functions will begin a significant escalation of their industrial action commencing in two waves, from Monday 13 November they will add to their Action Short of Strike Action with a further increase from Monday 20 November. This will be mixed with a targeted form of strike action on Thursday 16 November.
NIPSA members are joining colleagues from Unite, GMB and UNISON who are also engaging in Action Short of Strike Action and Strike Action. There is an anger amongst Education Workers who feel that the true value of their contribution to the delivery of education has been ignored for too long. They resent being ignored. They are right to feel angry.
The delays in progressing the matters in this dispute which seek to reform their pay structure, make it fit for purpose and future proof it just adds insult to injury. The current action has demonstrated just how much EA school based and HQ staff do that is outside their job description and has been taken for granted for years. This goodwill has ended and won’t be returning.
NIPSA is exploring a significant escalation of strike action involving members in transport, special schools, catering and cleaning which will demonstrate to all the determination to fight this dispute until we achieve our demands.”