February 22, 2022 at 1:15 pm
UPDATED: Use of classrooms for the elections – MUT will not accept lack of adherence to protocols
The MUT communicated with the Ministry for Education and Sport in relation to school facilities being used for the general elections.
The first issue is the disturbance in classrooms during this period. The MUT stated that space in classrooms is being utilised to the full due to protocols and any election material, including booths deposited in classrooms before the election day, will be in breach of protocols as the requested social distance will not be maintained. Irrespective of election requirements, the MUT stated that it shall not accept that educators work in classrooms when protocols cannot be observed.
Secondly, the union stated that it is also concerned about the situation of having the entire village population visiting schools on a Saturday for voting and then having educators and students returning to schools the following Monday without any cleaning taking place and with election material including voting booths left in classrooms. In view of this, the MUT requested the Ministry’s plans to ensure that educators and students return to school on the following Monday and find an ambiance which is sanitized and that respects protocols.
UPDATED 23/02/2022: In a reply, the Ministry stated that the pre and post-election process in State schools shall be as follows:
– Assembly of election related items in classrooms shall commence after end of school day on Friday 25th March 2022.
– Dismantling of election items in classroom shall be done by Sunday 27th March 2022.
– Storage of these items upon delivery and after dismantling shall not be in the classrooms.
– Cleaning shall be done by Sunday 27th March 2022. The cleaning shall be done by cleaners already assigned to these schools and hence they are already conversant to the cleaning protocols.
Members are encouraged to note and report any situations which do not adhere to the above. The MUT will be following the situation closely in order to take any actions if and when needed.
