Teachers have voted to take industrial action unless Covid-19 issues are addressed

The Association of Secondary Teachers Ireland (ASTI) has voted to take industrial action unless Covid-19 issues in schools are addressed.

In a statement issued this afternoon, the ASTI said that 'members have voted to take industrial action unless the Government immediately addresses key Covid-19 issues in schools. These include the need for a comprehensive testing programme, rapid testing and turnaround, and appropriate resources for schools to ensure continuation of learning where there are school closures/self-isolation.' ASTI President Ann Piggott said: “ASTI members 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’. We must be supported in sustaining education for our children and young people.” Schools reopened in late-August after closing in March due to the coronavirus pandemic. Yesterday, Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan said that 'it will not be the advice of Nphet on public health grounds that schools stay closed after the mid-term break.' You can read about the ASTI ballot in more detail here. More to follow...