Omagh strike action continues for education welfare officers

SOCIAL workers employed by the Education Authority (EA) who are seeking increased pay have taken further strike action in Omagh.

The Education Welfare Officers (EWOs), members of the trade union NIPSA, took to the picket line outside the EA’s offices on Hospital Road from last Wednesday to Friday as part of the long-running pay dispute. The Strike has continued this week with members striking from Tuesday to Friday.

They are seeking pay parity with social workers in the health service, who are paid around £5,000 more per year.

NIPSA’s acting assistant secretary, Alan Law, said EWOs play a “hugely important role” in the education of children and young people.

He said, “They are instrumental in ensuring that attendance levels improve and work with families to ensure that this happens. They are qualified social workers and utilise their training and skills to meet the needs of the clients they support.”

Mr Law said NIPSA had tabled a series of proposals for the EA’s management to consider as a potential resolution.

He said, “These were rejected and a counterproposal has been made by the EA which does not satisfy the demands of the NIPSA pay parity claim. EWOs considered and rejected it.” The trade union official said the EWOs instructed NIPSA to proceed with the planned strike. Further industrial action is also planned this week and next. But Mr Law added, “We remain ready to enter into meaningful negotiations to resolve this dispute and call on the Education Authority to do likewise.”