South and East Belfast Sinn Féin -- Building an Ireland of Equals

Maskey Outlines Position On Classroom Assistants Dispute

Published: 8 October, 2007

South Belfast MLA Alex Maskey has outlined Sinn Féins position on the current Classroom Assistants dispute which has affected a number of schools in South Belfast.

Mr Maskey said:

"Classroom Assistants provide an invaluable service to the education sector. Very often their role in the education process has been undervalued.

Sinn Féin has consistently supported the Classroom Assistants in their dispute. Our members have joined picket lines, led delegations and campaigned for a just outcome.

I was pleased that following a direct intervention by my party colleague, the Minister for Education, Caitríona Ruane, to ensure a satisfactory resolution for classroom assistants, the main unions involved had reported that substantial progress had been made.

It is my understanding that, despite some reports to the contrary, no classroom assistant will loose any part of their salary as a consequence of the current deal which appears to be on offer to the trade unions.

In light of the above I would urge those involved in industrial action to study the detail of the current offer for themselves."