UNISON DEEPLY CONCERNED BY EDUCATION AUTHORITY SAVINGS PLANS

UNISON Northern Ireland is deeply concerned by today’s announcement from the Education Authority (EA) that it intends to take forward a number of saving measures this month, including increasing the price of paid school meals and reducing overtime payments.

Commenting on the EA announcement, UNISON Regional Organiser Joe McCusker said:

‘‘UNISON, alongside other education support services unions, will require an urgent meeting with the EA before it proceeds with these savings measures. The EA has an obligation to consult with trade unions when it is considering proposals such as these that will impact on the workforce.

We will require detailed information from the EA regarding its assessment of the impacts that these savings measures will have on pupils and the education support services workforce, and the mitigating measures or alternatives that the EA has considered. UNISON will defend the interests of our members in the face of these savings plans.’’

Commenting further, UNISON Head of Bargaining and Representation John Patrick Clayton said:

‘‘The unacceptable funding position that our education services are in has once again been highlighted by today’s announcement from the EA.

UNISON is immediately concerned by the EA seeking to increase the cost of a school meal for pupils and families. We have been campaigning for many years for the introduction of universal provision of nutritious, free school meals to both promote child health and development and reduce poverty.

The EA decision to instead increase the cost of school meals follows from the Education Minister stating earlier in the year that budgetary pressures have meant he is unable to introduce universal provision of free school meals. 

Families should not be expected to take on even greater costs relating to the education of children, particularly where many on lower incomes do not qualify for free school meals. The EA must urgently reconsider.’’