UNISON Northern Ireland

NIC-ICTU Education trade unions call on Secretary of State to defend and promote a progressive and holistic approach to Education

Speaking on behalf of the NIC-ICTU Education Group ahead of next Monday’s NI budget statement from Secretary of State James Brokenshire, its Chair Gerry Murphy commented:

“Trade unions representing education support service workers welcome the declaration by many school principals that they will not implement further cuts. We have common cause with their resistance.

“We support the Principals as they seek to protect the curriculum, along with the employment of teachers and support service workers. Together education workers are determined to defend  the provision of classroom room support, catering cleaning and estate maintenance. These are necessary services, essential parts of a progressive and holistic approach to Education .

“While we are hampered by the collapse of Government we are calling on the Secretary of state to include in his budget funding provision for decent pay.

“The pay cap is hurting all public sector workers including the lower paid support service staff in Education.

“Mr Brokenshire needs to take full account of the outstanding NJC and NITC pay claims awaiting a response from Local Government and Education employers in NI and factor payment into his forthcoming budget.”