ASTI has called for more protections for “pregnant teachers” and other vulnerable staff during Covid.
The secondary teachers’ union is before the Oireachtas committee this morning and is warning TDs and Senators of the dangers in schools.
ASTI’s (Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland) General Secretary Kieran Christie is saying that his members are “essential workers” and that it is “essential that they are kept safe.”
Covid outbreaks and the “lack of communications protocols” have been “major issues” since the reopening of schools in September, the union said.
Mr Christie said in his opening statement: “In every school there are teachers and students who are vulnerable in terms of their health status or particular personal circumstances, including pregnancy.
“The ASTI is dismayed that many of these members have been required to attend schools and no remote or reasonable accommodations have been implemented to allow them to participate in their work or studies in a more appropriate setting.”
And added: “Teachers are essential workers in the education system.
“It is essential that schools are safe spaces for teachers and students: health, safety and welfare must be the priority of school management and the Department of Education and Skills.
“Teacher workload and focusing on their wellbeing underpin the overall policy in ensuring that schools are open in a manner which is both safe and sustainable.”
The INTO (Irish National Teachers’ Organisation) is also before this morning’s committee.
General Secretary John Boyle will be calling for teachers to be near the top of the queue for vaccines when they become available, but not ahead of health workers.
The committee meeting will also be hearing from the other teaching union, the TUI (Teachers’ Union of Ireland) and Fórsa, who represent SNAs (Special Needs Assistants) working in education.
