School support staff strike: thousands taking part across Northern Ireland

Author: Nigel GouldPublished 20th May 2024
Last updated 20th May 2024

School support workers across Northern Ireland have gone on strike over pay.

Workers such as bus drivers, classroom assistants, cleaning and canteen staff began their action today (Monday).

Members of Unite, GMB and Nipsa trade unions were on picket lines from this morning.

School support staff go on strike - pictured outside Stormont

Unite and Nipsa members will go on strike from today to Wednesday, while GMB members will strike today and tomorrow

Members of all three unions will continue their industrial action on June 3 and 4.

While teaching unions in Northern Ireland accepted a pay offer earlier this year, agreement has not been reached with support staff.

Unions have said support staff are among the lowest paid workers in the education sector, stating many are paid less than the current national minimum wage.