17th October 2023
INTO Member Update
INTO is aware that members of the UNISON Union will be engaging in action short of strike (ASOS) from Monday 16th October 2023.
- INTO reminds all members that they should refuse to accept any direction to undertake any additional work that may arise from the industrial action of another trade union.
- INTO reminds school leaders that they should not direct staff to undertake any duty that would normally be carried out by a colleague who is taking part in legal, legitimate industrial action.
- INTO would further remind school leaders of the previous communication from Management Side in relation to strike action which stated:
Operation of School – Staff not participating in strike action should be in attendance at school. The operational decision to open, partially open or close a school to pupils rests with the Principal who must determine the appropriate course of action in his/her school, depending on individual circumstances.
If the risk assessment determines that an appropriate level of supervision/assistance or support cannot be provided or that there might be health and safety issues or concerns around safeguarding arrangements the Principal should inform parents/guardians at the earliest opportunity that the children should not attend school during the period of strike.
- Principals should therefore ensure that a risk assessment is undertaken which should also incorporate consideration of other activities on this date, such as educational visits, to ensure appropriate levels of supervision.
Mark McTaggart
Northern Secretary