TUI protest at Dundalk IT over collective agreement dispute

On Tuesday a protest was staged outside Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT) by members of the Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI).

The protest centred around a dispute with the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science (DFHERIS) over alleged breaches of a collective agreement concerning the establishment of Technological Universities (TUs).

TUI members at third level institutions around the country, including DKIT, voiced their concerns, asserting that DFHERIS and management have failed to adhere to the agreed terms outlined in the collective agreement. 

The agreement, ratified through a national ballot, aimed to ensure the retention of the sector, formerly known as the Institute of Technology sector, and facilitate meaningful communication, consultation, and negotiation with the TUI on pertinent matters related to the TU sector.

In a statement issued by the TUI, they accused DFHERIS of deliberately frustrating the proper functioning of third-level industrial relations fora by allowing each TU to operate separately without national negotiation. The union described this approach as a blatant breach of the collective agreement, which was accepted in good faith by its members.

The TUI's statement urged meaningful engagement on the part of DFHERIS to resolve the dispute. However, they warned of potential industrial action, including strikes, if the Department fails to address their concerns adequately.

Responding to the allegations, the Department of Further and Higher Education stated that they have consistently engaged with the TUI on TU sector reform through appropriate channels. 

In a statement to the Democrat they said: 

“The Department has engaged consistently with the TUI on the reform of the TU sector through the appropriate forums and remains available to enter into discussions on this matter. 

“The dispute has arisen in relation to the establishment of a new Executive Management Team in MTU which has been sanctioned by the Department of Public Expenditure.

“The Department does not accept that there has been any breach of the 2017 agreement or any other agreement. DFHERIS is continuing to engage with TUI to seek an agreed solution and is willing to avail of the dispute resolution mechanisms that exist if necessary.”