COVID-19: tell the Victorian government to support school staff and students

The government has failed to respond reasonably to the union’s request for greater flexibility for schools to manage on-site and remote provision during the COVID-19 lockdown that meets the needs of everyone in their school community, especially in special schools and senior secondary colleges.

What’s more, the government has so far not properly considered or addressed the risks and hazards to members’ mental health and safety.

Instead the government has advised principals that they are not permitted to implement more flexible student attendance in response to health and safety concerns for both staff and students. This approach has only added to the stress and anxiety of members in those schools affected, and has placed principals in an impossible situation. 

The government also continues to ignore the fact that some parents are choosing not to send their children to on-site learning programs when that is the only option available, as they too are concerned about their child’s health. Ultimately, this leaves some of our students without access to any education at all.

The black-and-white policy approach of the Department of Education (DET) is not serving anyone well. DET must trust schools to make the most appropriate arrangements to meet the needs of their school communities and help to protect the health and safety of all during this pandemic.

We need AEU members to throw your direct support behind our campaign to address your health and safety concerns. Raise your voice and take your concerns directly to your state Labor MP.

Your school’s local state Labor politician needs to hear directly from as many members as possible about the challenges you and your students are facing. We know when we act collectively, we can make a difference.

They need to hear directly from you.

ACTION

  1. Contact your school's state Labor MP via phone or email (cc [email protected] so that we have a copy).
  2. Tell them about your concerns, and the issues facing your colleagues and students. We've compiled a list of some of the key issues raised by AEU members.
  3. Ask for confirmation that they will pass these concerns on to Education Minister James Merlino.