Day of strike action by Non-Teaching staff on 16 November The Education Authority (EA) has warned of expected disruption to some school services as a result of industrial action notified by UNISON. This action will consist of action short of strike as well as a full day of strike action on 16 November 2023. I am writing to outline the expected impact on our school.
How will strike action affect St Patrick’s PS. When a strike takes place, those taking strike action stop work and withdraw their labour. A detailed risk assessment to determine whether it is possible to operate the school safely during the strike has been conducted that considers the impact that the action will have on the health and safety of pupils, staff and visitors, and whether the school can run a full or amended curriculum.
As the Principal, I have determined the following: Due to the expected absence of school dinners, adequate supervision at Break time, adequate supervision at lunchtime, absence of ancillary staff, and absence of staff to assist with SEN Statemented pupils, it is likely that St Patrick’s will not be open for pupils on Thursday 16th November. A final decision will be announced next week, but preparation for closure should be made.
Clearly, this is a difficult situation, which will cause disruption. I ask you, however, to be understanding. Strike action is very unusual and taking the step of strike action is not something that any member of the school staff undertakes lightly. Those on strike will have thought long and hard about their decision and will also lose pay for the period that they are on strike.
The staff in our school are invaluable to the learning, development and safeguarding of your children and I feel strongly that they should be paid fairly for the essential and very challenging jobs that they do.
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