As we approach the end of the school year, special needs assistants (SNAs) have once again faced the annual challenge of advocating for the appropriate implementation of ‘June Working’. 

Whilst ‘June Working’ is encapsulated in the discussions on the contract review, it remains a contractual obligation for SNAs in post-primary schools. However, its misuse has persisted over the years. Department circulars and the May 2023 Information Correspondence, provide clear guidance on what constitutes appropriate duties during this period.  

These can include tasks related to school and state examinations, continuous professional development, special educational needs (SEN) related work, such as providing and creating academic resources for the next academic year or developing individual education plans (IEPs) for students. 

Throughout June, staff across the education division have worked tirelessly to support members in addressing inappropriate duties assigned by management. These have often involved difficult conversations but have resulted in positive outcomes. 

Fórsa official Linda O’Sullivan said: “This year instances of SNAs being asked to perform duties that fall outside the scope of their role included cleaning out polytunnels, washing school uniforms, fixing and removing exercise equipment, shredding for the entire school and conducting toilet inspections.  These are very clearly outside the scope of appropriate duties. 

“We have also seen continued displacement of work with SNAs expected to take on duties appropriate to other grades such as those of the school secretaries, caretakers, and cleaners. A recurring issue is the assignment of schoolbook scheme responsibilities without the corresponding grant payment outlined by the department for this work.” 

To help members deal with these issues, information sessions were hosted by SNA branches across the division to ensure they had access to information and resources. 

These meetings covered relevant circulars, examples of appropriate tasks and explained how members can raise concerns with management before seeking union support. The attendance was strong and feedback from members was overwhelmingly positive. 

At a local level, there has also been significant successes through engagement between members, union officials and school management, which have succeeded in changing the tasks assigned to SNAs. Linda concluded: “These wins are a testament to the strength of our collective advocacy and the importance of standing together.”  

Fórsa assistant general secretary Shane Lambert added: “It is clear that 'June working' continues to create problems, despite tasks being clarified and there being a clear understanding between us and other stakeholders at the SNA Industrial Relations forum as to what is appropriate or not.” 

“We have made our views on ‘June Working’ clear in the discussions on the contract review and will use these recent examples as further evidence in support of our arguments.  It is clear, however, that when members come together and make a stand, refusing to carry out duties that are not appropriate, they can and do win.” 

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