UNISON has been calling for Covid-19 vaccines to be available for all staff working in Special schools as a priority. We note the Education Minister's comments today at the Stormont Education Committee which suggest that vaccines will not be made available for all special school staff in the first instance, with health officials taking the lead in this programme.
UNISON Northern Ireland Education members endorsing the union's call for the extension of free school meals to all children. UNISON members in all schools are getting behind this campaign.
We are currently pressing for a well prepared re-start of the school meals service when schools re-open .
UNISON welcomes the announcement to award students £2,000 for their contribution during this pandemic. Our students are the future of the health service, they have stepped up during this time, they have faced many challenges on the front line and some have had to give up their part time jobs in line with government guidance.
The Regional Health Trade Unions acknowledge the Health Minister's wish to recognise the fantastic role staff played and continue to play across the health family. They have been relentless in trying to ensure the population of Northern Ireland have received the best possible care under the worst of circumstances.
Whilst we acknowledge this announcement and what it stands for in good faith, we also note the Minister’s commitment that this proposed payment will have no bearing on any pay deal for Agenda for Change (AfC) staff.
First they came for the Communists And I did not speak out Because I was not a Communist Then they came for the Socialists And I did not speak out Because I was not a Socialist Then they came for the trade unionists And I did not speak out Because I was not a trade unionist Then they came for the Jews And I did not speak out Because I was not a Jew Then they came for me And there was no one left To speak out for me.
Your UNISON Health team has been working with Health employers to ensure there is support and clear arrangements for staff who may redeploy across the service.
UNISON is deeply saddened by the death of our member Alan Henry, a dedicated member of the Dementia Team in the Northern Trust, who died from Covid 19 last week.
UNISON recognises that our members in education are playing a very strong and vital role in fighting back against the current surge in the covid pandemic. We applaud their courage and determination.
The UNISON Education negotiating team has continued to engage with the Education system on the major issues of concern for our members working in special schools and in schools remaining open for children of essential and key workers .
