Four teaching unions took part in a half-day strike over pay - their first walkout in six years - with most schools closing until midday.
For health and public service unions, Unite, Unison, Nipsa and GMB, this is further action in a pay dispute.
Teachers, nurses, ambulance and hospital staff have been taking to picket lines.
Teachers, nurses, ambulance and hospital staff have been taking to picket lines.
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Thousands of workers in the education and health sectors in Northern Ireland take part in strike on Tuesday. Photo: pacemaker
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Thousands of workers in the education and health sectors in Northern Ireland take part in strike on Tuesday. Photo: pacemaker
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St Aloysius Primary School, Lisburn(L-R) David Digney and Meabh McLaughlin Photo: presseye
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St Annes Primary School, Finaghy. Northern Ireland schools closed this morning as teachers went on strike. Photo: presseye