FAIR PAY FOR EDUCATION WORKERS

UNISON along with NIPSA, Unite and GMB met with Minister for Education, Michelle McIlveen today to discuss pay and to make the case for a COVID recognition payment for education workers.

Commenting on the meeting Louise O’Hara, Regional Organiser said, “The Department of Education must step up to the mark and take responsibility for the education workforce. The UNISON members who play their part in educating and keeping our children safe must be recognised and compensated fairly. Platitudes and thanks will not pay the ever increasing bills.”.

It was made clear to Minister McIlveen that there was growing unrest amongst the membership and that failure to address the issues around pay and grading as a matter of urgency by the Department of Education and the next Minister would leave unions no option but to embark upon a program of industrial action.

UNISON also used the opportunity to raise our concerns about the recent announcement that funding is not secured to provide free school meals over holiday periods. The Minister was confident that the funding for the summer payments would be available. The UNISON campaign for Free School Meals for all continues.