| “Principals have been been advised that arrangements should be made to enable buildings to be opened for those attending work. Principals should try to determine the individual circumstances which may impact on their school and consequently, the most appropriate course of action.
“It is appropriate to clarify with members of staff as soon as is practicable who is likely to be absent because of strike action. This is particularly important in instances where staff are employed in a pupil support capacity, for example, classroom assistants. If a principal is of the view that an appropriate level of assistance cannot be provided or that there might be health and safety issues they should inform the Board of Governors and parents/guardians at the earliest opportunity.
“In seeking to clarify who will be absent because of the strike or in determining the appropriate action in their school, principals have been advised that they should bear in mind that this strike has been called as a result of an official ballot. Union members have a legitimate right to participate in such industrial action and should not be pressurised or victimised for so doing.
“Drivers and Transport Escorts employed by the Board have been included in the trade unions ballots. Principals are also advised to ensure that parents of pupils travelling on the yellow SELB buses are aware that these buses may not be operating on March 28 and that they should not leave children unsupervised at bus stops/pick-up points etc to wait for buses that might not arrive.
“Catering staff employed by the Board have been included in the trade unions ballots. Parents should be made aware that there may not be meals available, including free school meals.” |
