Today (20th August), UNISON is continuing to raise serious concerns with the Education Authority (EA) in relation to the measures that are required to protect our members health and safety as schools begin to reopen. UNISON Regional Organiser Marianne Buick said:
‘‘We are now only 5 days away from large numbers of children returning to school, but far too many questions in relation to the health and safety of our members remain unanswered, and measures promised to mitigate risks are not yet in place.
UNISON notes the publication today (13th August) by the Education Minister, Peter Weir MLA, of the New School Day guidance for the full re-opening of schools. Commenting on this guidance, UNISON Regional Organiser Marianne Buick said:
UNISON represents over 8000 education workers, most them in the frontline of service delivery for our school children.
We have been engaged in continuous joint union discussions with the Department and Education Bodies on a pilot plan for the safe return of children and workers alike. That plan has now been set aside for what appear to be political rather than public health reasons.
Like everyone else we want to see our schools re-open but our members and our school children cannot be put at risk.
Beirut is a scene of utter devastation today in the aftermath of a massive explosion at Karantina sea port that sent shock waves across Lebanon’s capital yesterday afternoon. At least 100 people are reported dead and 4,00
UNISON along with other trade unions has asked Health Minister Robin Swann for the re-instatement of no car parking charges for NHS workers in England to be extended across the Health Trusts in Northern Ireland. The letter which was sent to the Health Minister on Friday 31st July read:
Dear Minister Swann,
Re-instatement of no car parking charges for NHS workers in England
UNISON is saddened to learn of the death of John Hume and we extend our deepest condolences to his wife Pat, and family.
John was a lifetime supporter of the trade union movement and worked with us over the decades on our campaigns to protect public services, challenge privatisation and promote equality and human rights.
UNISON is aware that Mount Charles have commenced a 30 day consultation process on redundancies for staff fulfilling the catering contract the company has with Ulster University at its Belfast, Jordanstown and Coleraine campuses. We are very concerned for our members’ jobs and are demanding that both Mount Charles and Ulster University urgently take steps to protect their employment.
