The NIC ICTU Education Trade Union Group representing all unions in the education sector today wrote to the Education Minister urging immediate action to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in schools.
26 November 2021
Miss Michelle McIvleen MLA
Minister of Education
Rathgael House
Balloo Road
BT19 7PR
Dear Minister
I write on behalf of the Education Trade Union Group of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) which represents teaching and support staff unions. Your officials have kindly arranged a meeting with the Public Health Agency and all JNC and TNC unions next week, but it is the view of the unions that action is needed now.
The unions believe it is imperative that the Department of Education respond to the increased levels of covid infection in schools by issuing directions to schools which could have an immediate impact on the spread of Covid19.
The unions believe that DE should instruct schools to:
1. Cancel all mass gatherings including but not limited to choir services, Christmas shows, staff meetings, parent/teacher meetings, assemblies, open nights and open days.
2. Halt all visits by non-essential visitors to schools.
3. Allow all staff who were previously shielding to work from home.
The COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Bulletin Up to week 46 (21 November 2021) reports that 1072 school staff have contracted Covid in the past 4 weeks. Schools are under severe pressure to find cover staff.
In this context it is important that all steps that can be taken to maintain education are taken. No-one wants to be seen to cancel Christmas but if strong measures are not taken schools will not be able to deliver face to face education for every child.
Yours sincerely
Maxine Murphy-Higgins Chair, Education Trade Union Group, ICTU
