Council’s failure to consult with teachers could mean no return for schools in August
Artwork by Gemma Woods Fraser
By Bill Heaney
The EIS has expressed concern at the statement released by West Dunbartonshire Council in relation to schools potentially reopening in August (see stories published earlier today on The Democrat).
EIS spokesperson Jim Halfpenny said: ” The WDC statement on schools opening has surprised the teaching staff in the Authority. Teachers and Head teachers have learned of the plans from parents on Facebook.
“The concern centres on the absence of required consultation with teacher trade unions. Not for the first time, the Council has pushed ahead with public statements without consulting its employees.”
He added: “Firstly, it is absolutely clear that pupils and staff can only return to school buildings when it is safe to so – which means full “Test Trace and Isolate” capacity having been established, plans being in place for public health guidance being implemented in schools e.g. social distancing; and finally clear evidence that the virus is under control.
Cllr Jonathan McColl and Jim Halfpenny, of the EIS.
“These are not in place at this point so the notion that staff will be returning to school in early June is a false one – current Scottish Government advice is to work from home where possible and until that changes, preparation for buildings to reopen is premature.
“The possibility of transition pupils being in school is simply that – a possibility but by no means certain. Safety needs to be the watchword.
“Likewise the August 11th start date is subject to negotiations at the LNCT.”
His colleague, local Association Secretary Michael Dolan, commented: “This is not simply about unions establishing a working partnership with the employer, it is about fighting to control the devastation which this epidemic has had on our community.
“With daily updates from government we don’t need to be reminded that we in Scotland, and in the UK, have had the worst death rates of almost any country in the world and we will not support any move which further jeopardises the community.
“The failures which have devastated our NHS and our Care Homes must not be repeated in our schools.”
No one in the SNP, including their missing leader Cllr Jonathan McColl, would comment to The Democrat.