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INTO strike called off as 'mark of respect' for Martin McGuinness

Martin McGuinness at Stormont in January. File picture by Colm Lenaghan, Pacemaker
Martin McGuinness at Stormont in January. File picture by Colm Lenaghan, Pacemaker Martin McGuinness at Stormont in January. File picture by Colm Lenaghan, Pacemaker

A HALF-DAY strike by a leading teachers' union has been deferred following Martin McGuinness's death.

Members of the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) were set to strike tomorrow over a pay dispute, with some teachers planning to demonstrate at Stormont.

However, the strike, which would have taken place on the same day as Mr McGuinness's funeral, has been delayed as "a mark of respect and recognition of Mr McGuinness's contribution to education".

INTO's Northern Secretary Gerry Murphy said the former education minister had "made a hugely positive impact on the entire education sector".

"I want to extend the sympathies of the INTO to the McGuinness family, to his wife Bernie, his children and grandchildren and the wider family circle," he said.

"His service as Education Minister was characterised by an intelligence and warmth that was accompanied by real investments in both the schools estate and the educational workforce."