Union officials have met politicians to lobby for better pay and conditions for classroom assistants.
They say assistants are treated as second-class citizens despite the Government talking about enhancing their roles.
Gary Smith, organiser for the GMB union, met Hastings and Rye Labour MP Michael Foster and Jay Kramer, East Sussex County Council's Labour spokesman for education.
Mr Smith said: "Our members play a key role in education.
"However, they are treated as second-class citizens when it comes to pay and conditions.
"The Government has talked about a further enhanced role for education support staff. We are prepared to talk but our members are demanding proper recognition for their role."
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