The “Covid consensus” is finally starting to crumble. At last some opposition politicians are starting to speak out clearly about the woeful failure of the Tory Government to control the spread of the virus. But words alone can be ignored. So now it’s time for the NEU to back up words with action and call strike ballots in the worst affected areas.
As stress, workload and infection rates rise, we say: “If it’s not safe, call on your union to escalate!”
A Special Conference of the NEU took place on Saturday via “Zoom”. A first-time delegate gives their impression of what was debated – and what was not.
“To expect me to run a school when we just cannot get tests is impossible”.
A Headteacher of a large primary school explains the growing pressures facing schools.
“Now we’re in local lockdown. Yet the schools are open, and there is still no sign of routine tests or even temperatures being taken at the gates. If they had routine tests each week then we could just get on with it. This nonsense will just lead to closures all over again”.
STAFF HAVE RETURNED to school wanting to do the best for their students. But schools’ responsibilities for education and welfare also extend to safety – for children, for families, and certainly to their staff.
Socialist Party members played an important part in building the Day of Action organised on 21st August to highlight the need for a safe return to school in September.
The Government is clearly determined to press ahead with a full opening of schools in England in September – but without taking the steps necessary to avoid a further acceleration of infection within our communities, nor to protect the safety of staff, pupils and their families.
The latest research shows that the DfE guidance, recommending that schools open with full classes, no effective physical distancing and no PPE is reckless. Trade unions and parents must urgently demand that it is withdrawn and replaced with a strategy that recognises – and properly mitigates against – the real risks.
The NEU Executive needs to meet urgently and confirm that our policy remains – “Not safe unless 5 tests met” – and they aren’t yet met for September – and that members acting together to protect health and safety will be fully supported by the Union.