17 August 2020
New guidelines for schools are good – compliance is crucial
The Independent Education Union of Australia NSW/ACT Branch, the union representing more than 32,000 workers in non-government education, welcomes and supports the NSW Government's new enhanced guidelines for school activities.
These guidelines will help our members on the front line ensure schools are safe for students, teachers, support staff, and school communities.
The onus now lies on non-government school employers to step up and ensure compliance with all the updated and existing health measures.
"Our members in schools have been working tirelessly throughout this pandemic to ensure minimal disruption to education as well as the safety of their students," said IEU Secretary Mark Northam.
"Employers must now work equally hard to ensure the safety of their workplaces is guaranteed.
"We're all in this together, and responsive school communities will be safer school communities. Teachers and support staff know the circumstances particular to their schools, so their insights must be heard. The union requests that schools adopt safe practices in consultation with members.
"No one knows better than our members the benefits of face to face learning. School employers must comply with these detailed guidelines to ensure minimal disruption to teaching and learning throughout Terms 3 and 4," Northam said.
