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Unite strike: NI industrial action over pay suspended

The Unite union has suspended the three-week strike action over implications for the Education Authority (EA).

This means that a strike planned for May 11-31, which would have affected special schools and some school transport, will now not take place.

The EA welcomed the move and said further talks would be held with unions over pay.

In a letter to parents of special education students, the EA said it would end “significant disruption” for the students.

The strike action was due to end on Monday, but another phase of action is expected to begin on May 11 through early June.

There were concerns that students at Glenveagh Special School in Belfast and some at Rossmar Special School in Limavady could spend another three weeks at home.

Speaking earlier to BBC News NI, Johanne Meredith, whose 12-year-old son attends Glenveagh Special School in Belfast, said she was at a breaking point.

There are 39 special schools in Northern Ireland and his school was the only one that had not opened its doors to pupils.

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Ms Meredith said her son missed a lot of school.

“The stress for people is immense. I’m lucky enough to be able to take care time and use my annual leave,” she said.

She said many parents would keep their children at home to ensure a good routine and minimal disruption.

A spokesman for EA told BBC News NI on Friday: “We welcome this development which will bring an end to the disruption to EA services that has been affecting some schools, children and young people.

“We are committed to continuing to engage collectively with all our unions on local issues unrelated to the 2021-22 national wage premium that impact wages and working conditions and will expedite this work.”

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