“Ignoring Classroom Assistants will not solve the Strike” - UUP Education Spokesperson
Ulster Unionist Education spokesman Basil Mc Crea today met with a large number of classroom assistants who were picketing Parliament Buildings, Stormont.
In a statement Mr McCrea said the assistants didn’t want to be in this position but felt nobody was listening to them or their reasons for striking,
“I was struck today by the sheer numbers of classroom assistants who came to picket Stormont and try and lobby politicians. These are not militant workers but just ordinary people who want a fair wage for a fair day’s work.
Many I spoke to are visibly upset at being put in the position where they have to strike and deny the children, many with special needs, of their valuable skills and teaching skills.
The fact that they are striking is down to a failure of dialogue. Many assistants complained that they couldn’t get hold of or meet with the key decision makers in politics and as a result are feeling marginalised, ignored and consequently misunderstood.
I understand that the Education Minister herself avoided meeting 100 assistants at a school in Craigavon by cancelling her visit. This is no way to treat people. I offered the assistants my support and that of my party and we will continue to try and resolve this dispute to the satisfaction of all.”