McNulty: Anger of school support staff ‘must be respected and addressed’

Mr. McNulty was speaking after standing on the picket lines with striking workers this week. The Newry & Armagh MLA said that bus drivers, classroom assistants, and other school support staff were entitled to fair pay and working conditions.

Newry & Armagh MLA Justin McNulty said: “I stand fully behind school support staff who have taken the decision to strike as part of their long running dispute over fair pay and working conditions. 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 support staff, and they would not be taking such drastic action if they felt they had any other choice.

“Bus drivers, classroom assistants, and other school support staff are some of the lowest paid in the education sector, and they are only paid during term time. The huge pressures brought about by the cost of living crisis, combined with more and more being expected of our support staff has pushed many to breaking point and this just cannot continue.

“I have heard from so many school support workers whose hearts are broken at the current situation in education. These are people who go above and beyond to support our children’s educational development, but sadly, many are now considering leaving 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.

“The Executive must ensure that school support workers, who are part of the backbone of our education system, are afforded fair pay and conditions, and are paid all they are owed and deserve promptly. Parties need to be true to their word and honour the promises they made to working people – not pass the buck onto Westminster.”