The Industrial Relations Act 2 (1) states in its Preliminary explanations that:

“failure to commence work or a refusal to continue working by reason of the fact that unusual circumstances have arisen which are hazardous or injurious to health or life” does not constitute “Industrial Action”.

Every teacher has the right to protect himself/herself from exposure to hazardous situations or conditions that are injurious to health or life by removing himself/herself from such situations. Such removal of oneself should be done courteously and with the full knowledge of your Principal.

If a school is without water but the toilets are clean then teachers should begin work and monitor the situation. If by break time there is still no water, then the teachers should be summoned by the Staff Representative and a decision be taken to leave school. This information should be conveyed to the Principal or person in charge who may decide to dismiss school in which case the teachers should assist with the orderly dismissal of the students.

Should the Principal or person in charge decide that school must go on then the teachers will leave the premises.

If on the second day and continuing there is still no water and the toilets are unflushed, then the teachers should sign the register, mark the rolls and leave school after the Staff Representative informs the Principal or the person in charge that the teachers are leaving.

If however there is still no water but the toilets have been flushed then the teachers should work until the first break.

In every case the Association must be informed of the actions of the teachers.