Observer leads with @Keir_Starmer demanding that PM delivers on promise of all children back at school, no ifs, no buts etc. I'm a retired primary school teacher who taught for 23 years in inner London, (NUT rep for most of those) + I know the unions are right to be worried.
My hardest job as union rep was getting teachers too ill to teach to take time off to recover. In 23 years I never met a teacher who was not committed first and foremost to welfare and safety of children. Shocking that @Keir_Starmer shows little interest in unions H&S concerns.
My union (NEU) of which, though retired, I'm still a branch committee member, has led the way with demands on government for the benefit of children, teachers and their families and has a plan. Their five tests have not been met. @RLong_Bailey backed these, but Starmer does not.
He has not challenged Govt's reckless prioritisation of the economy over the health of the population. We all want the economy to be healthier but not at *any* cost. Instead of working with school staff and school leaders on this matter, he has followed the Tory govt's framing.
After Starmer became leader, Labour CLPs were banned from holding decision-making meetings. That has now been lifted under pressure. One of the 1st resolutions through our CLP called on Labour to adopt a Zero-COVID strategy instead of the govt's approach of "managing" the virus.
"No ifs, no buts, no equivocation" on school return exposes school staff, pupils, and all in their homes, to a virus that is still rampant. It is not too late for Labour to back union plans for safe schools, blended learning etc, and simultaneously back a Zero-COVID strategy.
