UPDATE 20 APRIL 2020

20th Apr 2020

WELCOME BACK
Many of you have returned to work today whether that is on a rota in school, facilitating remote learning, or both.

We hope, within the confines of the current crisis, you had some relaxation time during the Easter break. For those of you who continued to volunteer over the holiday period, we trust that you, too, had some opportunity to focus on your own mental and physical health.

We hope the following information will be helpful with regard to the coming days.

REMOTE LEARNING
We are issuing guidance today based on the concerns you have raised around remote learning. We would encourage members to keep us informed of issues and we will continue to address these as they arise.

• UTU GUIDANCE
• C2k SERVICES - EXTENDING TEACHING AND LEARNING BEYOND THE SCHOOL

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
Whilst the news coming from DE about the plans to be put in place to support those of you who did not have promised work for the next period is encouraging, it must be acknowledged that the outplaying of said plans is not coming quickly enough. We are well aware that teachers have grave concerns regarding the way forward and can assure you that UTU continues to put pressure on DE to resolve the issue as a matter of priority.

REOPENING OF SCHOOLS
We would seek to reassure members that there has been no discussion of schools reopening either within the DE or between management and union side. Any such plans would be subject to rigorous interrogation by union side. Members will be kept fully informed of any such plans as soon as they may arise.

BALLOT REGARDING THE PROPOSED PAY AND WORKLOAD DEAL FOR TEACHERS
The ballot opened on Friday at noon and will close on Wednesday 22^nd April at noon.

Your papers will have been delivered directly to your email account. If you have not received your papers for any reason please contact UTU as a matter of priority on office@utu.edu .

UTU thanks all members who have attended remote meetings, submitted queries for clarification or have spent time reading the material to enable you to make an informed decision.

It is important to us that we reflect the views of members moving forward. We would therefore encourage you to cast your vote if you have not already done so and make your voice heard.

Jacquie White

General Secretary