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Teachers are “scared and dread” by the possibility of Level 5 Covid-19 restrictions being introduced while schools remain open, said Kieran Christie, Secretary General of the Irish Secondary Teachers Association (ASTI).
Christie said the teachers union keeps all options open and that going on strike would be the last resort.
“There is fear and fear among teachers and students this week about the prospect of society moving to Level 5 and schools remaining open,” he told RTÉ on Saturday with Katie Hannon.
“For our part, we contacted the Minister of Education more than a week ago when it was suggested that we were going to move to Level 5.
“We request a comprehensive review of the guidance and health supports that are being brought to schools to determine if they would be adequate or appropriate. We are renewing that call now. “
Mr. Christie said ASTI was in contact with Minister Norma Foley regarding the matter and would be “pushing a lot.”
He said that the safety and well-being of teachers and students was paramount. The schools had reopened in circumstances where the number of coronavirus cases was much lower than it is now, and the community transition was much less, he added.
“We are asking the question that now that we have the whole society moving to Level 5, are the arrangements in the schools adequate given the change in situation?”
ASTI has decided to vote in favor of industrial action due to concerns about the safety of staff and students. “At the end of next week, that’s the schedule,” Christie said.
“We want to be in a position to act in an agile manner if it is necessary to do so in the context of the deteriorating situation and if the safety of our members is compromised.
“Nobody wants to be in that position [of taking strike action]. But as a union we want to keep all of our options open.
“It would be a last resort. We do not imagine that this is something we cling to, but unions obviously must have all the necessary support to support the positions of their members and obviously we hope not to have to go there.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education issued a statement Saturday that said: “The Department of Education has an ongoing commitment to educational partners, including teacher unions, to keep schools open safely, with regular meetings, the most recent last Tuesday.
“This commitment will continue as the contribution of all partners in education is valued and the approach taken by the Department is supported at all times, including the Roadmap to Reopening Schools.”
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