More than 2,000 education staff are taking part in a one-day strike over pay today. The North's exams body said scheduled examinations would not be affected by the industrial action.
The walkout, which has been called by NIPSA, involves classroom assistants in the five Education and Library Boards.
A second strike will take place on Friday, when about 2,600 NIPSA members in both the South Eastern and the Belfast Education and Library Boards will walk out in opposition against recent cutbacks.
The Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment reassured pupils preparing for GCSE, GCE and Key Skills papers that their exams would not be disrupted by the two days of industrial action.
Tommy Wright, NIPSA assistant secretary, said it was time classroom assistants, including nursery and general assistants, were given a better deal. Mr Wright said: “It is regrettable that this group of workers, who deliver vital services in schools throughout Northern Ireland , are compelled to take strike action because of the failure of their employers to resolve outstanding pay issues.
“Management must accept that their failure to resolve these matters is having a substantial impact on the morale of staff which is leading to disillusionment and this is bad for education.”
PA