Health hazards as a result of construction works in schools reported

The Union of Professional Educators - Voice of The Workers has received "shocking" information that depicts the deteriorating state of the working environment at Skola Sajf, it said in a statement.

"Members reported that classes are filthy and messy.  They noticed screws lying around possibly as a result of recent works as well as damaged resources brought over by play workers to assist them in their work.  This is clearly an unsuitable environment for education purposes and may pose a health hazard to those concerned."

In addition, a statement read, day to day resources to carry out activities are also lacking leaving no option for staff members other than to resort to buying your own.

"Play workers also pointed out that they have been taking care of special cases during extra hours without being paid due to staff shortages at the centres. This translates into special cases being cared for by untrained staff during extra hours."

UPE was also notified that classes are unbearable to work in due to intense heat.

The Union said it would like to see an improvement in the conditions at Skola Sajf where workers toil for the benefit of those attending. UPE said it will continue to highlight these issues for a decent outcome.

Contacted by this newsroom, UPE Executive Head Graham Sansone said that this situation is just one example in one school, but there are many others in the same situation. He would not identify the school for fear that those who took the photos might be identified. He said that Works being done in summer results in these situations, where contractors leave a mess, screws running around etc. Some play workers who take items from home with them have also found their personal items damaged as a result of works.

On the recent issue regarding salary payments, where the UPE declared that it received various complaints from members suggesting that the operators of Skola Sajf being Foundation for Educational Services (FES) are intending to issue salaries late in September and October, he said that an industrial dispute was filed by the union early this morning.

from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2vCnHFd
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