LISTEN: Unions express "grave concern" over arrangements for reopening of NI schools

By Q Radio News

A number of trade unions have expressed "grave concern" about the arrangements for the reopening of schools in Northern Ireland. 

Education Minister Peter Weir has written to parents and carers to tell them schools are safe to open. 

Yesterday the Department of Education issued detailed advice to schools called 'New School Day' guidance, outlining proposals for the full reopening of schools at the start of the new term. 

The advice stated social distancing may be relaxed for children in the presence of other mitigations, such as hygiene measures. 

However, the two metre rule must be in place for adults in the school. 

The wearing of face masks is optional but not mandatory. 

The Joint Negotiating Trade Union side, which is made up of NIPSA, UNISON, GMB and UNITE, represents over 15,000 support staff employed across the education sector. 

In a statement, the group said the guidance leaves many vital questions unanswered. 

"We all want to see the safe reopening of schools but also insist that it will be done in a responsible manner.

"The consultation process with the trade union side (TUS) has been a shambles and the final product completely unfit for purpose, for example, the guidance accepts that the Department of Health maintains the need to adhere to two metres social distancing but the NI Executive has decided to abandon this for schools and school transport services.

"This anti-science approach is dangerous and is devoid of logic. The promised mitigation measures have so far failed to materialise and there has been no advice provided on Test, Trace and Protect for school transport services.

"TUS calls for the maintenance of effective and safe social distancing of two metres in all schools and transport services and we demand that the Health and Safety of our members are not sacrificed in the haste to reopen schools.

"This pandemic has demonstrated the infectious nature of the Covid-19 virus and now is not the time to abandon scientific advice and ignore best practice. “

Meanwhile, Kieran Ellison from the union UNITE described the move to reopen schools in this matter as a "shambolic rush". 

Mr Ellison told Q Radio, one particular area of concern is that there won't be protective screens fitted in time on school buses.

"One particular concern of note that representatives in transport have discussed in detail, is the situation on dedicated school transport vehicles, where the fitting of protective screens will not be ready for the reopening. 

"Yet social distancing of passengers, wearing of face masks and use of hand sanitizer is not mandatory. 

"Members are anxious they are being treated as guinea pigs, with the mental health of those with underlying conditions taking a battering." 

Mr Ellison added, "Unite the Union want to be clear, we will fully support any member who takes the decision to withdraw from an unsafe working environment and will help them uphold their legal right to do so."