​Politicians lend their support to teachers on strike action

Teachers from five unions took part in the half-day industrial action, mainly due to a long-running dispute over pay.

SDLP Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty has said that the concerns of teachers must be heard and addressed.

Mr McNulty said: “While the disruption to schools and our children and young people’s education is regrettable, I know how difficult this decision has been for many teachers and they would not be taking such drastic action if they felt they had any other choice.

“Teachers in the North have consistently been the lowest paid of anywhere on these islands and the cost of living emergency combined with more and more being expected of our teachers and school staff has pushed many to breaking point and this just can’t continue. I have heard from many teachers that are considering moving to another area for better pay or leaving the profession altogether due to the toll the current situation is taking on them. With the dire state our education system is in we cannot afford to lose our greatest resource – our talented and dedicated staff.”

​Sinn Féin MP Mickey Brady expressed his support and solidarity for teachers taking to the picket lines this week.

The Newry and Armagh MP said: “Teachers play an invaluable role in the education of our children and deserve fair pay and safe working conditions.

“It is disgraceful that education staff have again been forced onto the picket lines at a time when workers, including teachers, are facing a huge squeeze on their finances due to the cost of living crisis.

“With one party’s boycott of the Executive ongoing, the British government must immediately bring forward a pay deal for public sector workers here.

“Public patience has run out. Workers cannot wait any longer. We need an Executive restored now and all parties working together to support public sector workers and services.”