Non-academic staff of schools face health risks, says union
View(s):The Educational Non-Academic Employees Union said staff were advised to report to the work amidst COVID-19 risks in the country, despite the health advisory introduced by health officials.
Principals of institutions administered by the Education Ministry and the Provincial Ministry of Education had instructed non-academic staff to report to work, they said. They said employees had to face difficulties, as people of the Western Province districts, where curfew is still being imposed, had been called in to work.
In certain areas, non-academic staff were advised to report to work to clean the premises and prevent the spread of dengue in the respective schools, as guided by the Education Ministry.
They were unable to follow the circular mentioned in 15/2020 and the circular issued on May 11 2020. As a result non-academic workers are at risk of failing to follow medical guidance before schools reopen, the union said.
Further, the union said the Ministry had advised education sector employees to consider health measures before reporting to work. Before schools reopen, the non-academic staff have to make sure the school premises have been properly disinfected. Therefore, the union said it is more sensible to call the non-academic staff to work three days before schools reopen, rather than ask them to risk their health, in the current situation.