Secondary school teachers have voted to take industrial action over ‘key coronavirus issues’ in Irish schools.

The Association of Secondary Teachers in Ireland said members would take action unless the Government immediately addresses a number of key issues, including:

• The need for a ‘comprehensive testing programme’ in schools
• Rapid testing and turnaround
• Appropriate resources for schools to ensure continuation of learning where there are school closures/self-isolation.

ASTI President Ann Piggott said teachers are “clearly stating that they want schools to remain open for students during this pandemic.”

“They are demanding that the Government step up and provide 24-hour test turnaround, a redefinition of close contacts for school settings, a comprehensive testing programme and appropriate arrangements for teachers categorised as ‘high risk,’ she said.

“We must be supported in sustaining education for our children and young people.”

Outbreaks

It comes as the latest data suggested there were 46 virus outbreaks in Irish schools last week.

There have been 126 outbreaks in schools since they reopened – with more than one third of those detected in the past week.

The Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) said the outbreaks related to schools are ‘outbreaks associated with school children and staff’; however, transmission of the virus within the school “has not necessarily been established.”

Industrial action

Ms Piggott said members had mandated the union to seek increased IT resources for students and teachers and to prevent schools from making any changes to working conditions without first agreeing them with teaching staff.

“Teachers are unwavering in their commitment to providing a quality education and to supporting their students at this stressful and uncertain time,” said Ms Piggott.

“However, the ASTI will not countenance exploitative attempts to introduce unnecessary work changes without consensus which have a further negative impact on teachers’ work and workload.

“This smacks of crisis opportunism.”

Equal pay for equal work

Separately the teachers have also voted to take industrial action in support of the long-running campaign for equal pay for new entrants to the profession.

“ASTI members remain absolutely committed to achieving equal pay for teachers who entered the profession from 2010,” said Ms Piggott.

“We will not stop until this abhorrent inequity is removed.”