Thousands of non-teaching staff strike over pay leaving schools facing disruption
Classroom assistants, bus drivers, catering staff, cleaners and other support workers have today walked out at hundreds of schools.
Four of the big unions have called the action in an escalating row over pay.
It has been estimated that up to 20,000 are expected to take part in the strike.
The Department of Education (DE) said it could not afford to increase wages on its current budget.
1.
Schools across Northern Ireland are facing major disruption and possible closures on Thursday Photo: presseye
2.
Department of Education, Rathgael House, Balloo Road Rathgill Bangor Schools across Northern Ireland are facing major disruption and possible closures on Thursday as thousands of non-teaching staff go on strike. Photo: presseye
3.
Schools across Northern Ireland are facing major disruption and possible closures on Thursday as thousands of non-teaching staff go on strike.Classroom assistants, bus drivers, catering staff, cleaners and other support workers are walking out at hundreds of schools Photo: presseye
4.
.Classroom assistants, bus drivers, catering staff, cleaners and other support workers are walking out at hundreds of schools. Photo: presseye