The ASTI has decided to ballot its members in relation to a number of key issues that have emerged since schools re-opened.
Ann Pigott, President of the Association Teachers Ireland (ASTI)
A meeting of the ASTI Central Executive Committee on 19 September 2020 heard that ASTI members have serious concerns about the health and safety of school communities. Issues raised include:
“The fact that high-risk teachers have been asked to work in crowded classrooms is unacceptable to us as a trade union,” ASTI President Ann Piggott said.
“The safety of students and their teachers must be the priority.”
Ms Piggott said teachers are reporting that new work practices are being implemented without any consultation with school staff.
“It is unthinkable that at a time when teachers have demonstrated tremendous commitment to their students and to keeping education going, that schools would introduce work changes which have a further negative impact on teachers’ working lives. This smacks of crisis opportunism and cannot go unchallenged.”
The ASTI ballot will also cover the difficulties faced by returning teachers who are being forced to work precarious contracts, and those enduring unequal pay.
SOURCE: Materials provided by ASTI
Note: Content may be edited for style and length.
ASTI asks Health Minister to secure a meeting with the Health Protection Surveillance Centre
EDUCATE TOGETHER calls for a properly resourced education system - Education Matters
educationmatters.ie
EDUCATE TOGETHER proposes a number of changes in order to fittingly address the challenges faced in the Irish education system.galwaybayfm.ie
SportOthers Galway Bay’s Róisín Mitchell-Ward Tells Galway Bay FM about her Experience at the Junior European Sailing Championships 9 August 2023 Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Linkedin Email GBFM NewsSETU launches globally in Washington DC - Education Matters
educationmatters.ie
Ireland’s South East Technological University (SETU) was launched globally last week at a special reception held in Washington DC.