Lyttle asks what Minister is doing to avert industrial action by teachers

Alliance Education spokesperson Chris Lyttle MLA has asked what action the Education Minister is taking to avert industrial action by teachers striking over a pay dispute.

Mr Lyttle was speaking as hundreds of teachers took part in protests against a proposed pay settlement, which has been rejected by a number of trade unions following months of talks.

East Belfast MLA Mr Lyttle submitted an urgent oral question on the issue, however, the Assembly Speaker rejected his request.

“It is disappointing once again the Minister has decided to not update the Assembly on an important education matter and follows other recent similar incidents. It is unacceptable no statement was made to the Assembly and I am at a total loss as to why the Speaker ruled this did not merit an urgent oral question response from the Minister today.

“The Minister needs to urgently engage with trade unions to resolve this pay dispute and avert industrial action in our schools. Governors, teachers, parents and children are all rightly concerned what this matter will mean for schools.

“The money is there to give teachers the pay rise they deserve but the Minister needs to better manage the resources at his disposal. He needs to come to the Assembly and explain both the current situation and his intended response to it.”

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