After the first week of in-class learning through zone 1’s red phase of recovery, the employees responsible for maintaining a clean school environment are feeling overwhelmed. The decision to keep students in class contradicted the original guidelines of the red phase and shocked those affected by it.
“We were quite surprised with the minister’s response to keeping schools open in the red. We’re not prepared for that on our end,” said CUPE 1253 President Iris Lloyd.
Custodians, school bus drivers and maintenance workers were previously told that a move to red would result in empty classrooms.
Continuing to teach students in class has increased the importance of high-quality cleaning and puts a potentially dangerous amount of pressure on staff.
Lloyd says, “They’re quite scared that their mental health levels have increased, and they’re worried about going into work every day.”
Llyod noted that some custodians have sanitized rooms without being informed of a positive case within the class.
Despite an increase in workload, staff continue to lack the proper PPE and have been forced to use community masks, gloves and spray bottles when cleaning classrooms.
The increase in cases has also caused more custodial staff to self-isolate, leaving schools understaffed.
“We’re very concerned about the conditions of the school if they are unable to find replacements, is that proper cleaning getting done?” said Lloyd.
CUPE 1253 hopes to be part of the discussion for future education decisions made by the province. Lloyd believes their collaboration can help provide a consistently safe environment for students and staff.
