Assistants protest for better pay near Wallasey Town Hall. They feel underpaid despite their essential role.
Unison organized the protest at the town hall. The protest happened during a council meeting. Kate Williams spoke, wanting fair pay for the assistants who care for young, vulnerable kids.
Assistants help teach reading and math. They also help kids with special needs, supporting them inside and outside class. Many people came to show their support.
Kate said assistants aren’t paid enough, and the problem won’t go away soon because school budgets are tight. More special needs students are coming, and assistants do extra jobs, like teaching. Paying teachers to do it would cost more.
Kate stated that assistants earn less than £20,000 yearly. She asked if their pay was fair, considering their role. Schools usually decide pay individually.
Councilor Stephen Bennett praised the assistants’ work. He will talk to headteachers about the issue, and Elizabeth Hartley will meet with the union. The council is checking assistant roles.
The council meeting covered different topics including a new bill for kids, the council budget, and school services and achievements.