As the partner of a teaching assistant, I know it's not a job I would consider doing without significantly higher pay or benefits and I expect most people would feel the same.
Of course strike action will anger parents, as it is a nuisance for all concerned. But that doesn't necessarily mean it's wrong. It sometimes seems as if people who work with children should have to "put up and shut up" so as not to affect the children's education.
Elizabeth Dunstall hit the nail on the head when she stated TAs don't get the recognition they deserve (The Argus, November 25). That is what the dispute is about.
I wonder if Jill Blackwell, quoted in the same edition, is familiar with the pay and working conditions of TAs when she accuses them of having a "selfish attitude"?
Every day, my partner comes home drained from her work - if Ms Blackwell could listen to her recount her day, she would have to be on another planet to accuse her of selfishness.
Why are TAs selfish? Because they seek better pay and conditions? Because they're prepared to take action if it's necessary?
All teaching assistants want is recognition for the job they do - they go above and beyond in their work and we should all be supporting them, not lambasting them.
-Scott Donnison, Brighton
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