News Vol.43 / no.2 november/december 2020 - TUI
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new s
teachers’ union of ireland / AONTAS MúiNTeOirí éireANN
Vo l.4 3 / no.2
nove m b e r /de c e m b e r 2 0 2 0
A Word from the
tui neWs
contents:
p.2 A Word From The President
President – Martin Marjoram
p.4 TUi calls for State examinations
certainty emergency motions. The result was a
significant and successful day for TUi’s
p.6 Pay Parity – overview of TUi’s democracy and i extend my sincere
campaign
thanks to all of the delegates who
p.8 New Head Office Officials participated, to Branches which
p.9 Procedure for dealing with submitted motions and participated in
health and safety concerns the feedback which helped in planning
owing to COViD-19 the event, to the Standing Orders
Committee, to the team in Head Office
p.10 Survey findings outline COViD-
(not least for the essential support they
19 related concerns of TUi
members provided to me as Chair of Congress),
to my colleagues on the executive
p.14 OeCD indictors endorse work Committee and to our external
of teachers and lecturers
providers. i want to congratulate
p.16 Latest PiSA report highlights Michael Gillespie and Liz Farrell on
effects of underfunding their first Congress as General
p.18 important dates to Annual Secretary and Vice President
Congress 2021 TUi PreSiDeNT, MArTiN MArjOrAM respectively.
p.20 Building diversity within the
clear messages on
irish teaching profession Dear Colleagues,
p.22 TUi Special Congress 2020 –
full report special congress – critical issues
p.28 PDA News 7th november 2020 Special Congress delivered a number of
p.30 Travel time between centres very clear messages including: TUi’s
in keeping with the decision of TUi determination to prosecute the pay
during working week
Congress 2020 last june, we organised equality campaign to a successful
p.31 rMA News and completed a Special Congress on conclusion; a clear position that Leaving
p.32 Crossword 7th November 2020 at which we Certificate 2021 be held in the
debated the motions previously traditional manner and that TUi
submitted as well as a number of
eDiTOriAL john O’reilly PrODUCTiON
Assistant General Secretary
Annette Dolan joreilly@tui.ie TUi News is published by the
Deputy General Secretary Teachers’ Union of ireland.
adolan@tui.ie Seamus Lahart
Assistant General Secretary Aontas Múinteoirí éireann,
Declan Glynn slahart@tui.ie 73 Orwell road, rathgar,
Assistant General Secretary Dublin 6, D06 YP89.
Martin Marjoram Anne Howard
dglynn@tui.ie
President Assistant General Secretary
president@tui.ie ahoward@tui.ie T: 01-492 2588 F: 01-492 2953
Aidan Kenny
Assistant General Secretary e: tui@tui.ie W: www.tui.ie
Liz Farrell David Duffy
akenny@tui.ie
Vice President education & research Officer
vicepresident@tuimail.ie dduffy@tui.ie Printed by:
Colm Kelly
Assistant General Secretary Typecraft Ltd.
Patricia Keating
Michael Gillespie ckelly@tui.ie
Administrative Officer
General Secretary pkeating@tui.ie
mgillespie@tui.ie joanne irwin
Assistant General Secretary Conor Griffin
jirwin@tui.ie Press & information Officer
cgriffin@tui.ie
2 november/december 2020 - TUi NeWS
tui neWs
members will not be participating in a coVid-19 – robustly We await the outcome of the
repeat of the calculated grades process,
defending health and democratic process, which was devised
safety of members
particularly in light of the bad faith by TUi as an important protection for
which repaid our previous involvement; members in the TU initiative and
the resolve to continue to safeguard requires the assent of both Branches
TUi continues to engage with the
the health and safety of members and before moving to the next stage.
relevant Government departments to
school and college communities in the
ensure that members’ interests are
Matters stuck in ir
face of the COViD-19 crisis; the
defended during all stages of the
processes
recognition of the enormous workload
response to the COViD-19 pandemic.
implications of the new approaches to
Since the 20th October 2020, this
teaching forced on us by the pandemic
process now includes weekly meetings Some matters of pressing interest to
and the willingness to take necessary
with representatives from the public TUi members remain stuck in ir
action to protect members.
health authorities. TUi continues to processes. TUi continues to push for
input significantly into policy and progress and early resolutions on a
ongoing scandal of pay documentation and has made progress number of items including the claim for
discrimination in all sectors in which we organise. restoration of the H.Dip./PMe
Where difficulties and lack of clarity Allowance, the Organisational Design of
The ongoing scandal of pay persist, we argue and advocate for the the eTBs, the review of Lecturing,
discrimination is central to our robust TUi positions required by Claim AF25/15 regarding incremental
considerations as the Public Service members, both in direct engagement credit in third level, and the conversion
Stability Agreement moves towards its and in the media. process we have sought in Youthreach.
expiration date of 31st December 2020. We share the frustration of members
The General Secretary and i wrote to
Proposed establishment that already slow ir processes have
of tu from
the ASTi directly following their ballot become positively glacial in the COViD-
result on pay equality with a view to 19 environment but we continue to
exploring a joint campaign, now that amalgamation of work to advance these issues and will
they too have an industrial action limerick and athlone report outcomes as they emerge.
iots
mandate. We have met both the ASTi
Welcome to new tui
and the iNTO to discuss common
staff members
strategy and will have further meetings.
Following a period of intensive and
tui assistance fund
complex negotiations, the wording of a
draft Memorandum of Understanding TUi has recently welcomed newly
was agreed to go forward to ballot in appointed staff members in vital roles.
Along with vital policy debate, Special the Limerick Colleges and Athlone iT Patricia Keating has joined us as
Congress also made an important rule Branches as a key step in the proposed Administrative Officer while Anne
Change which will bring forward the establishment of a new Technological Howard and Seamus Lahart have been
establishment of the TUi Assistance University from the amalgamation of appointed as Assistant General
Fund (previously intended to be called the Limerick and Athlone institutes of Secretaries. i wish Patricia, Anne and
the Benevolent Fund). This will be a Technology. i want to express my Seamus the very best in their new posts
new and very welcome addition to the appreciation for the enormous work and have already had the pleasure and
range of supports TUi offers to undertaken by the TUi representatives the opportunity of seeing all three
members, including retired members in and officials involved in the engagement begin to make valuable contributions to
this case, who find themselves in with the managements of the institutes, the work of the union.
difficulties. and to the staff in Head Office whose
very significant work will allow the
postal ballot of members to go ahead.
www.tui.ie - TUi NeWS 3
tui neWs
Minister must provide certainty and
confirm that customary state examinations
will take place
Following the passing of an emergency and unmatched public trust – can run Ministerial assurance that the
motion on the issue at November’s smoothly and safely. in this context, the customary state certified examinations
Special Congress, the TUi said that if Union highlighted that schools were will be held next summer, some schools
the priority of Government is to keep presented with a significantly more are hedging their bets by scheduling an
schools open during the COViD-19 difficult task when they were given expanded range of formal assessments
pandemic, the Union will not guidelines on re-opening barely a with the purpose of using the results as
countenance or accept any attempt not month before a million students were an evidential base for the award of
to hold the traditional, highly trusted, due to return to buildings that needed calculated grades. This is leading to a
externally-marked State examinations to be completely recalibrated to ensure distortion of teaching and learning
in 2021. compliance with public health patterns and is placing an insupportable
guidelines. burden of additional work and
The Union notes recent comments by unrelenting pressure on students and
the Minster that the intention is that The Union noted that the Department teachers.’
‘the Leaving Certificate 2021 will be the breached and betrayed the trust of
traditional Leaving Certificate as we teachers by reneging on an assurance
would know it.’ This must be confirmed for the 2020 calculated grades system
as a matter of urgency. that the student ranking would only be
available in response to a data access
The Union says that with seven months request.
to june 2021, there is ample time to
ensure that the customary State TUi General Secretary Michael
examinations – which enjoy significant Gillespie said that ‘in the absence of
tui engagement with tui support for
nPhet/hPsc debenhams workers
in an engagement involving the TUi and the other teacher unions, the The TUi has extended its support to the
Department of education, the management bodies and representatives Debenhams workers who are being unfairly
from the National Public Health emergency Team/Health Protection denied the implementation of a collectively
Surveillance Centre (NPHeT/HPSC) in relation to COViD-19, TUi negotiated redundancy package.
representatives raised a significant number of important issues as well
as submitting a comprehensive range of written questions. responses We echo the call of Mandate trade union
to these questions can be found on the TUi website. for immediate, definitive action from the
Taoiseach and the Government to end the
it should be noted that ongoing engagement is taking place with protracted dispute which has seen workers
HSe/Public Health and the Department of education and other on picket lines for over 200 days.
stakeholders. Any issues which are not addressed or are specifically for
the HPSC will be relayed from that forum to HPSC for response. We also fully support the demand of
Mandate and the iCTU that legislation be
The NPHeT has stated, in response to a number of questions, that implemented to give effect to the
some issues are being dealt with by the Department of education and Duffy/Cahill report which could prevent
Skills. The TUi is in weekly contact with the DeS and will bring all other workers suffering a similar scenario in
related questions to that forum. the future.
Should you or your colleagues have further questions or concerns that in addition, TUi commends the workers on
you would like the TUi to raise please contact your Area the inspirational courage and resilience that
representative. The contact details for your Area representative can they have displayed for over six months.
be found in the TUi Diary and Handbook and/or is available by
contacting tui@tui.ie.
4 november/december 2020 - TUi NeWS
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tui’s submission to Joint oireachtas
committee on ‘ensuring that schools are open
in a manner which is both safe and sustainable’
The TUi was invited by the joint ensure they remain open in a safe and • More COViD-19 compliance
Committee on education, Further and sustainable manner. Having analysed what inspections in our schools
Higher education, research, innovation this will require, the TUi is therefore • Additional teachers
& Science to make a submission on calling for: • An end to pay discrimination
‘ensuring that schools are open in a • Society to play its part • Additional resourcing – capital
manner which is both safe and • Accurate, detailed and meaningful data expenditure, ventilation, iCT equipment
sustainable’. on the transmission of COViD-19 in and training
TUi’s submission can be found on the schools • Workload issues to be addressed
Union’s website. • rapid testing for all school staff and • restoration of middle management
summary of key points: students structures in schools
The TUi wants to keep schools open, as • effective contact tracing implemented • No new administrative initiatives
long as it is safe and sustainable to do so. immediately by the HSe • Necessary adjustments to curriculum
Our members – teachers, including • Additional protective measures for • A definitive decision on the running of
principal teachers – worked tirelessly high-risk teachers the state certified Leaving Certificate
from june to September to re-open • Leave for long term COViD-19 related examinations in 2021
tui in the media
schools. The task for us all now is to illness
coMPetition
Unsurprisingly, there continues to be a
significant and intensive media focus on
a range of education issues linked to
the national health emergency.
The Union has issued a number of
statements and responses, many of
which are available on the TUi website,
and Union representatives have featured in countless
media interviews in news and current affairs
programmes on radio and television.
The Construction industry and will be able to ‘walk’ through
A summary of the Union’s media activities with links Federation (CiF) has launched a the house with a range of
to relevant articles and programmes can be accessed competition that is aimed at senior ambassadors, politicians,
from the Media Coverage link at the end of the TUi second level students and celebrities, parents and local
website’s homepage. developed with the assistance of councillors. The winning school will
the TUi. receive high end measuring
‘A Home for everyone’ is a team- equipment, a laser level and a
based project where students masterclass in the use of the
work together to design a home equipment. Finally, the winning
that helps solve climate change, team members will have the
the housing crisis and addresses option of taking a CiF scholarship
inclusivity. in other words, the or access to the CiF’s
house design should be eco- apprenticeship programme if they
friendly, affordable and be suitable do decide to take a construction-
for elderly people or people with related career route in their
disabilities. future.
in developing this competition, the
The nature of the competition
CiF worked with TUi, the Techno
promotes teamwork, the
Teachers Association ireland, the
application of maths, knowledge of
engineering Technology Teachers
the local community and
Association and the institute of
awareness of issues such as climate
Guidance Counsellors. in addition
change, homelessness and
to this, Alison Watson MBe, CeO
inclusivity. Also, the competition
of A Class of Your Own, has been
aims to show the creativity,
engaged to create a competition
purpose and impact involved in
that complements academic
design, engineering and
work whilst benefiting the
construction.
community.
To this end, the winning team will For further information please
have their design rendered into 3D visit - www.cif.ie/cifchallenge
www.tui.ie - TUi NeWS 5
tui neWs 6 november/december 2020 - TUi NeWS
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www.tui.ie - TUi NeWS 7
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new tui head office officials
Following recruitment processes in recent months, a new Administrative Officer and two new Assistant General Secretaries have
been appointed by the Union’s executive Committee. We wish the very best to Patricia, Seamus and Anne in their new roles.
Patricia Keating – anne howard – seamus lahart –
Administrative Officer Assistant General Secretary Assistant General Secretary
Patricia’s cross sector experience has A native of Co Clare, Anne Howard taught Seamus Lahart has had a career-long
helped create a positive impact in many in St Patrick’s Community School in involvement with TUi, with experience
organisations, most recently as Senior Shannon and has served TUi in a variety of at all levels, most notably serving as
executive Officer in the community roles throughout her career, most recently President of the Union between 2018
education provider An Cosán. She is as a member of the executive Committee. and 2020. Originally from Clonmel in
looking forward to bringing her expertise Anne was elected onto the Teaching Co Tipperary, Seamus taught in Coláiste
in human resources management and Council from the Community & Dún iascaigh in Cahir.
development, administration and event Comprehensive sector earlier this year.
management to TUi.
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Be in with a chance to
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12 november/december 2020 - TUi NeWStui neWs
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16089 TUI ADVERT
ADVERT 10-20
10-20tui neWs
important dates to
annual congress 2021
28th September 2020
Nomination forms for annual elections issued.
16th March 2021(R)
issue Final Agenda, General Secretary’s report and Accounts by
post and Annual report by email.
18th December 2020(R)
Last date for receipt of motions from Branches, executive 30th March 2021(R)
Committee and Security Fund Committee to Head Office for Last date for receipt of questions on the Annual report and
submission to Standing Orders Committee. Annual Accounts.
29th January 2021 6th April 2021(R)
Last date for receipt of nominations for positions of Vice- CONGreSS OPeNS
President, Security Fund Committee (1 vacancy), Note:
Standing Orders Committee for Areas 10 and 19 and Area rule 14 (ii) which reads as follows determines the number of
representatives for the following areas: delegates:
area:
2 roscommon, Longford, Westmeath and Offaly “One delegate from each Branch of which the members in
4 Wexford, Co. Waterford, Waterford City, Tipperary Sr, benefit do not exceed thirty and one delegate for each fraction
Kilkenny of thirty, as per the following table:
6 Dublin Dún Laoghaire
8 Sligo, Leitrim and Donegal Members Delegates
10 Dublin City 1 - 30 1
12 C&C Schools in Counties: Donegal, Galway, Leitrim, Longford, 31 - 60 2
Mayo, roscommon, Sligo, Westmeath 61 - 90 3
14 C&C Schools in Counties: Carlow, Clare, Cork, Kerry, 91 - 120 4
Kilkenny, Laois, Limerick, Offaly, Tipperary, Waterford, 121 - 150 5
Wexford. 151 - 180 6
16 Third Level Colleges – Dublin City and so on”.
18 Third Level Colleges – Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Longford, in-benefit members for the purpose of arriving at the number of
roscommon, Westmeath. delegates to the Annual Congress are fully paid-up members for
Please note that nominations will close at 2.30 p.m. on 29th the month of December whose subscriptions have been received
january, rather than 5.00 pm. by the General Secretary on or before the last Friday in February,
i.e. Friday, 26th February 2021.
2nd February 2021(R) Delegates to Annual Congress shall be elected by their Branches
Preliminary Agenda will issue to Branches at the Annual General Meeting or at a properly convened Branch
Meeting where the item appears on the Agenda.
16th February 2021(R)
Last date for receipt of: 23rd April 2021
• amendments to Preliminary Agenda Last date for receipt of nominations for the position of President.
• order of priority for motions in each section
• names of delegates to Congress. 10th May 2021
issue ballot papers for election of President.
19th February 2021
issue of ballot papers for elections. 26th May 2021
Last date for receipt of ballot papers for Presidential election.
10th March 2021
Last date for receipt of annual election ballot papers. Note: (R) = Under Rule
18 november/december 2020 - TUi NeWStui neWs
annual congress 2021
6th – 8th april 2021
Congress 2021 is scheduled to take place in Killarney, Co. Kerry.
It will be held in the INEC and the Gleneagle Hotel.
Reservations for accommodation during
Annual Congress can be made with the
following hotel:
the Gleneagle hotel
Tel: 064 6671550 email info@gleneaglehotel.com
B&B €135 twin/double room
€115 single room
Bookings must be made 60 days before Congress to avail of
these rates.
B&B accommodation:
There are a number of B&B Houses close to the Hotel.
Killarney Tourist Office will be happy to give you names and
contact numbers should any members require B&B
accommodation.
reservations Further information regarding the crèche, including
reservations should be made directly with the hotels. application forms, will be sent to you at a later date.
There are no booking forms required.
Meals at congress
crèche All meals will be available in the iNeC complex i.e. lunch
A crèche under professional supervision will be provided and an evening meal.
by the Aquila Club, located in the Gleneagle Hotel.
www.tui.ie - TUi NeWS 19tui neWs
Building diversity within the irish teaching
profession
Migration happens Migration and the the Migrant teacher
and diversity is a good sdGs Project
thing The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Despite this and the rich diversity
Since the earliest times, humanity Development recognizes for the migration has brought and continues
has been on the move. Some first time the contribution of to bring to ireland, and while the irish
people move in search of work or migration to sustainable classroom looks very different today
economic opportunities, to join development. 11 out of the 17 than it would have done in the past,
family, or to study. Others move to Sustainable Development Goals the teaching profession has remained
escape conflict, persecution, terrorism, (SDGs) contain targets and stubbornly homogenous. The Migrant
or human rights violations. Still indicators relevant to migration or Teacher Project aims to increase the
others move in response to the mobility. The Agenda’s core principle participation of Migrant Teachers in
adverse effects of climate change, is to “leave no one behind,” irish primary and post-primary
natural disasters, or other including migrants. schools. The project was stablished by
environmental factors. Marino institute of education in Dublin
The SDGs’ central reference to
and is co-funded through the european
Today, more people than ever live migration is made in target 10.7: to
Asylum Migration and integration
in a country other than the one in facilitate orderly, safe, regular and
Fund, by the Department of justice and
which they were born and bring with responsible migration and mobility
equality, and by the Department of
them the richness of their diverse of people, including through the
education and Skills. The project
cultures. in 2019, the number of implementation of planned and well-
provides information, advice and
migrants globally reached an managed migration policies.
support to teachers who have qualified
estimated 272 million, 51 million Other targets directly related to
outside of ireland, to help them to
more than in 2010. international migration mention trafficking,
continue their profession in irish
migrants comprise 3.5 per cent of remittances, international student
primary and post-primary schools.
the global population, compared to mobility and more. Moreover,
2.8 per cent in 2000 and 2.3 per cent migration is indirectly relevant
in 1980. to many more cross-cutting registering with the
teaching council
targets.
As all irish teachers know, to work in
GrOUP PHOTO OF THe CLASS OF 2019/20
20 november/december 2020 - TUi NeWStui neWs
publicly funded schools, once qualified,
teachers must register with the
Teaching Council of ireland; this is the
same for Migrant teachers. The Council
examines the qualifications of those
teachers qualified outside of ireland,
and usually identifies any ‘shortfalls’ that
must be addressed prior to full
registration. Typically, teachers have
three years to address these shortfalls,
during which time they are entitled to
take up employment. While Migrant
Teacher Project courses are not
designed to address specific shortfalls
identified through the Teaching Council
registration process and do not provide
a guarantee of employment, the project
aims to work with migrant teachers to L TO r DiArMAiD De PAOr ASTi ALiSON GiLLiLAND iNTO DAViD DUFFY
TUi WHO SPOKe WiTH MiGrANT TeACHerS ON THe iMPOrTANCe OF
support them through the process of
UNiON MeMBerSHiP - WiTH rOrY MCDAiD Mie
registration and seeking employment.
the Bridging
to the programme as well as on Department of education and Skills;
Programme
carefully selected content and materials. participants on the Bridging Programme
Participants are given the opportunity are therefore not charged a fee but
‘Being a Teacher in ireland’ is a Bridging to reflect on their own professional places are limited. Applications are
Programme, developed by the Migrant practice individually and with their available at:
Teacher Project and aimed at teachers peers, and develop and apply their https://www.mie.ie/en/research/migrant
from immigrant backgrounds who are knowledge and skills to an irish context. _teacher_project/migrant_teacher_brid
now living in ireland and are ready to ging_programme/
The course is structured over 4
begin the journey back into the Saturdays with face to face lectures and For more information about ‘Being a
classroom. it aims to provide additional workshops, which is supplemented with Teacher in ireland’, or the Migrant
knowledge, skills and confidence to online teaching and learning and a Teacher Project, please visit our
enhance these teachers’ professional minimum of 5 days school experience website: www.mie.ie/mtp; phone: 01
growth, and to help them to gain component. 853 5168; or email: mtp@mie.ie.
employment in schools in ireland. The
approach taken aims to draw on the The Programme is free due to the Dr Garret Campbell is Project Manager of
range of knowledge, experience and generous support from the the Migrant Teacher Project
insight that teachers themselves bring Department of justice and by the
Great reads awards 2020
The Great reads Awards (GrAs), now and then to vote for their favourites. SOrA is free for all eligible schools.
in their fifth year, offer a reading activity Awards are presented in both junior The reading period runs up to
to all second level students and an and senior categories. This year’s Christmas and possibly into 2021,
opportunity for students to decide the shortlist titles offer a range of reading depending on the date as yet to be
award winners. The award, presented by levels and interests, by authors from a decided for presentation of the awards.
the School Library Association in the variety of backgrounds, including an So there is still plenty time to sign up
republic of ireland (SLAri), is for debut irish language title for which a glossary and get students involved. For more
writers of Young Adult titles. Works are is available. All english language titles are information and resources, including
shortlisted by librarians and teacher- available in eBook format. eligible jCSP how to register, see:
librarians. Schools are invited to & DeiS schools can access eBook titles www.greatreadsaward.ie or email:
register for the activity, get students to from the jCSP Library Project Digital secretary@slari.ie
read as many of the titles as possible Library via SOrA. Membership of
www.tui.ie - TUi NeWS 21tui neWs
tui sPecial conGress 2020 –
saturday, 7th noVeMBer 2020
resolutions
a. conditions of serVice –
second leVel
12. dublin & dún laoghaire
Congress instructs the executive
Committee to call for the full
restoration of guidance and counselling
provisions in schools, a return to
allocations that were in place prior to
cuts in 2012 to facilitate the delivery
on new educational and vocational DePUTY GeNerAL SeCreTArY ANNeTTe DOLAN, MArK FrAiN (CHAir OF
initiatives, and as a response to the STANDiNG OrDerS), PreSiDeNT MArTiN MArjOrAM, ADMiNiSTrATiVe
sharp increase in mental health issues OFFiCer PATriCiA KeATiNG, GeNerAL SeCreTArY MiCHAeL GiLLeSPie,
presenting. An enhanced service is the TereSA O’LeArY (STANDiNG OrDerS) AND ViCe PreSiDeNT Liz FArreLL
only necessary way of addressing the PiCTUreD AT THe SPeCiAL CONGreSS 2020 TeCH HUB
needs of 21st Century educational
settings here in ireland. 48. executive committee/it and researchers to undertake unpaid
carlow (amended by dublin lecturing work or lecturing work at a
colleges) lower rate of pay than the nationally
B. conditions of serVice – Congress instructs the executive agreed pay rates.
third leVel Committee to demand that the
Department of education and Skills and 52. cork colleges
40. dublin colleges(X2)/executive the Department of Public expenditure Congress instructs the executive
committee and reform regulate and limit the Committee to conduct a national
Congress instructs the executive amount of public money that can be ballot for industrial action up to and
Committee to tackle the decision spent by ioTs/TUs on private including strike action, as a matter of
resulting from FeMPi where all consultancy reports. urgency, in the event that any
lecturing staff who commenced consortium does not honour in full its
employment between 2011 and 2016 46. cork colleges/limerick commitments to TUi members that are
were denied incremental credit and colleges/it tralee required to be honoured by the agreed
forced to commence on point 1 of the Congress instructs the executive time under an agreed Memorandum of
salary scale. This issue must be Committee to negotiate with the Understanding between the relevant
referred to the ioT ir Forum and must ioTs/Tus, that fees incurred by TUi branches and ioT/TU
be included in the current pay members as a result of affiliation with management.
restoration campaign which attempts professional bodies which are
to undo the injustices that emanated necessary to the undertaking of
from FeMPi. lecturing duties be paid by the institute c. conditions of serVice –
of Technology/Technological University. General
34. executive committee
The agreement between TUi and DeS 35. it sligo 93. co. Waterford
of May 2016 included a review of Third Congress instructs the executive Congress directs the executive
Level lecturers’ workload, to be Committee to defend regional Committee to demand in relation to
completed by March 2017. To date, this provision in all relevant for a as bereavement leave that the list of
review has not commenced. Therefore, Technological Universities are relatives that qualify for leave be
Congress instructs the executive established. expanded in line with the civil service
Committee to demand that the DeS so as to include brother-in-law, sister-
completes this review as a matter of 82. executive committee in-law, step- relations and a similar
urgency and further instructs that, if Congress instructs the executive immediate relative of a cohabiting
significant progress is not made by May Committee to demand that institutes partner.
31st 2020, a ballot of all Third Level of Technology and Technological
members for industrial action be Universities cease immediately and
conducted. permanently the existing practice of
using Masters students, PhD students
22 november/december 2020 - TUi NeWStui neWs
d. adult education Department of education and Skills 179. co. clare
(DeS)/National Council for Curriculum Congress instructs the executive
118. co. roscommon and Assessment (NCCA)/State Committee to negotiate with the
Congress instructs the executive examinations Commission (SeC) to NCCA on State examinations policy
Committee vigorously to pursue ensure that a full review of the new for all project work and oral exams in
education & Training Boards to pay the junior Cycle is conducted and subjects in the new Senior Cycle in
agreed backpay for BTei staff. evaluated to guarantee that it fulfils its order to prevent teachers assessing or
purpose and objectives and is of marking these elements of the final
benefit to the students before assessment. These elements should be
e. education commencing on the implementation of corrected by the SeC to maintain the
the new Senior Cycle. integrity of the examination process.
121. dublin & dún laoghaire/
executive committee/ 159. dublin & dún laoghaire 177. co. cork
tipperary nr Congress instructs the executive Congress demands that the
Congress instructs the executive Committee to negotiate with the DeS Department of education and Skills
Committee to demand that any for a Teachers’ Charter in line with the (DeS) and the State examination
revision to Senior Cycle Parent and Student Charter due for Commission (SeC) issue examination
curricula/specifications are properly publication soon so as to protect the materials, such as sample questions,
and fully resourced with adequate rights of teachers. sample papers and project guidelines
professional time, adequate and timely well in advance of the commencement
training and such material resources as of revised curricula. The tardiness in
would be required for delivery. f. equality producing such items seriously
Congress further instructs the disadvantages students’ assessment
executive Committee to seek to 165. co. clare/dublin c & c prospects.
ensure that there is no increase in Congress instructs the executive
workload. Committee to negotiate with 176. dublin & dún laoghaire/
DeS/DPer to remove pregnancy executive committee
157. co. clare related sick leave from the current sick Congress instructs the executive
Congress instructs the executive leave limit of 183 days, after which half Committee to negotiate a reduction in
Committee to lobby against any similar pay begins. restore this to full pay. the number of Classroom Based
introduction of a CBA style assessment Assessments (CBAs) which must be
in the future Senior Cycle. 164. co. Galway/co. cork/ completed by junior Cycle students.
dublin c & c/executive
135. Galway city committee/limerick
Congress instructs the executive colleges/cork colleges h. further education
Committee to demand the training (amended by co. donegal)
given for the new Leaving Certificate Congress instructs the executive 185. co. carlow/co.
be implemented before the curriculum Committee to seek to ensure that the Mayo(X2)/Waterford city
changes are introduced. new social insurance-based scheme of Arising from the takeover by SOLAS of
Congress does not wish to see a 2 weeks parents leave for both parents, all funding strands for stand-alone PLC
repeat of the junior Cycle fiasco on top of existing maternity and colleges, Congress instructs the
wherein teachers were teaching paternity entitlements, which was executive Committee to seek to have
courses they had not been properly introduced on 1st November 2019, be existing terms and conditions
trained to teach. Congress further topped up by the employer in a similar ringfenced for all teaching staff in
instructs the executive Committee to manner to existing leave schemes, Further education Colleges in terms of
ballot members for industrial action if including the schemes for maternity length of school year, promotional
these demands are not met. leave and adoptive leave. posts, salary scales, qualification
allowances as enjoyed by colleagues in
160. co. cavan mainstream education and that all
Congress instructs the executive G. eXaMinations those newly appointed into the sector
Committee, with regard to dealing with be at the same teaching grade as their
a TUSLA referral regarding a Child 184. tipperary nr serving counterparts.
Protection concern against a member Congress instructs the executive
of the teaching staff, that in the interest Committee to carry out a review of 186. co. Westmeath/Galway city
of Child/Teacher concerns eTBs be CBAs and Assessment Tasks with the Congress instructs the executive
asked to deal with them within a DeS in relation to the number of hours Committee to oppose the outsourcing
defined timeframe. At the moment they are consuming in schools & the of courses and services in Further
there is no timeframe in place. pressure they are putting on students education which is damaging the pay
& teachers. and conditions of members in the
150. dublin & dún laoghaire sector.
Congress instructs the executive
Committee to negotiate with the
www.tui.ie - TUi NeWS 23tui neWs
generally in what should be a just
transition to a carbon-neutral
economy;
6. Using what influence TUi has in the
development of curricula and
programmes of study at all levels of
education to have the matter of
climate change and climate justice
included where appropriate;
7. Minimising any negative climate
impact of TUi’s activities;
8. Advocating for best practice in TUi
workplaces with regard to
environmental awareness.
TUi HeAD OFFiCe STAFF CArOL rYAN, eLizABeTH DALY, LeSLeY
CONViLLe AND ADMiNiSTrATiVe OFFiCer PATriCiA KeATiNG KePT
K. orGanisation
THe ONLiNe SPeCiAL CONGreSS 2020 rUNNiNG SMOOTHLY
No motions were carried in this section
THrOUGHOUT THe DAY
197. co. cavan J. Miscellaneous
l. Pay/national
Congress instructs the executive
aGreeMents
Committee to safeguard Teacher terms 222. co. Meath/dublin & dún
and conditions in Further education. laoghaire/co. Galway/
263. dublin & dún laoghaire/
dublin c & c/dublin
dundalk it/executive
190. co. Kerry colleges/tipperary nr
committee
Congress notes the emphasis on Congress notes the absence of any
Congress notes that, on the 1st of
training rather than lifelong statutory mechanism for the
October 2020, there will be a 2% pay
learning/growth and development representation of
restoration and a 5% restoration to
within Youthreach/FeT. Congress Pensioner Organisations at pay/pension
allowances. The cut to allowances was
asserts that education is a long-term talks and considers this a denial of
applied at the start of the financial
investment in people as citizens, rather rights. Congress mandates the Union
crisis, in 2008/09. Although Gross pay
than a meek subservient activity to to support moves to have appropriate
may have returned to 2008 levels, the
satisfy the needs of the irish labour legislation put in place to correct this
USC and ASC deductions ensure that
market for short-term cost cutting, anomaly.
take- home pay is still less for members
“box ticking” objectives.
than the equivalent take-home pay in
220. executive committee
2008. in addition to this, post-2010
189. co. Kerry Congress instructs the executive
entrants deal with discriminatory pay
Congress instructs the executive Committee to engage actively in a
reductions due to their date of entry
Committee to engage with the leadership role in efforts to combat
into employment. Congress also notes
Department of education and Skills in climate change and secure climate
that members now struggle to pay
the provision of a supported justice, by:
their rent, mortgages, childcare costs
programme to allow Further education 1. Continuing support for the Schools’
and Third Level fees and expenses for
and Training teaching staff to gain a Climate Action Network (SCAN);
adult children. Congress further notes
teaching qualification. 2. Organising and participating in
the actual pay increases secured in the
demonstrations and marches;
private sector in recent years and/or in
3. Organising and participating in
prospect for the coming years.
i. health and safety conferences to help inform public
Congress demands pay increases that
debate on the scientific evidence of
will help members meet the escalating
219. co. cork climate change and the measures
cost of living and that will make
Congress deplores that the current needed to address it;
employment in the education sector
Assault Leave provisions, for teachers, 4. Campaigning, where possible in
attractive for the future.
applies only to absences that are conjunction with other unions, to
medically certified as a “physical injury”. ensure that the burden of
267. dublin colleges/dublin &
Congress demands that mental health combating climate change does not
dún laoghaire/co. Galway/
issues/illness associated with such fall disproportionately on working
co. Meath/tipperary nr
assaults are also be covered by the people but is also carried to a just
Congress directs the executive
relevant Circular Letters. and correct extent by the
Committee to demand that the irish
companies and corporate interests
Congress of Trade Unions will not
that are responsible for the vast
conclude talks on a
majority of the damage;
replacement/successor to the PSSA
5. Working to protect the interests of
until FeMPi Legislation and associated
TUi members and working people
punitive clauses are removed.
24 november/december 2020 - TUi NeWStui neWs
264. co. Kerry n. Posts of resPonsiBility executive Committee. The members of
Congress instructs the executive the Committee will be elected by
Committee to seek the support of ALL 280. executive committee/cork members in their respective groupings.
other Public Sector Unions in order to city schools Members of this Committee shall serve
strengthen our position by presenting a Congress notes that the current no more than two consecutive two-
united front to the Government in proportion of teachers holding Posts of year terms, with at least two members
seeking to abolish the Additional responsibility is under half of what had elected annually. A term will commence
Superannuation Contribution, been obtained before the moratorium. at the close of Annual Congress. The
previously known as the Pension Congress deplores the failure of election process will be held at the
related Deduction (Pension Levy). This Government (and, in particular, the same time as the elections to the
is a punitive tax on Public Sector Department of education and Skills) to executive Committee, the Standing
employee income, and it discriminates appropriately resource leadership and Orders Committee and the Security
against Public Sector employees by management structures in schools. Fund Committee. The member of the
implementing a two-tier tax system on Congress instructs the executive rMA shall be nominated by her/his
its citizens. Committee to demand, not only a full Association. Members of the executive
it is mandatory to contribute to a restoration of Posts of responsibility Committee, the Standing Orders
Public Sector pension in contrast to to pre-2009 proportions but also the Committee and the Security Fund
the Private Sector where there is a additional Posts of responsibility Committee shall not be members of
choice as to whether to contribute to required to discharge the the Assistance Fund Committee. At the
a pension scheme. Current deductions new/expanded responsibilities devolved first meeting after Annual Congress, the
from wages include Superannuation 1, to schools and the associated Assistance Fund Committee shall elect
Superannuation 2 and Widows & workload. a Chairperson from amongst its
Orphans (now known as Spouses & members. A quorum shall consist of
Children). any three members.” rule 142: replace
Also, the Additional Superannuation o. rules the word “Benevolent” with the word
Contribution was never meant to be a “Assistance” in the two places where it
tax to be implemented indefinitely: 290. executive committee occurs. rule 143: replace the word
“The Pension Levy was introduced by (amended by executive “Benevolent” with the word
the Minister of Finance, Michael committee) “Assistance”.
Noonan, to fund the Governments The rotation of members and the
‘jobs initiative’ of May 2011 as a 0.6% length of term on the Benevolent Fund
charge on Pension Fund assets held in Committee as stipulated in the motion P. teachinG council
the state. it will be charged for a period (as amended) passed by Congress 2019
of 4 years only”. are incompatible. Furthermore, TUi has 312. dublin & dún laoghaire
been advised to change the name of Congress instructs the executive
the Benevolent Fund. A rule change Committee to re-negotiate the two-
M. Pensions motion will be required (amending year PMe to a one- year PGDe.
rules 101, 140, 141, 142, 143 and a
273. co. Galway/dublin & dun Section Heading): Congress agrees to 310. executive committee
laoghaire/co. Meath/ the following amendments to the rule Congress instructs the executive
co. offaly/co. Waterford/ Book: rule 101: At point (vii), replace Committee to seek to ensure that PMe
dublin c & c/dublin the word “Benevolent” with the word students in their 2nd year of the
colleges/tipperary nr “Assistance”. in the Section Heading programme receive payment on the
TUi Congress 2019 confirmed that it is before rule 140, replace the word first point of the teacher’s incremental
TUi policy to retain the link between “Benevolent” with the word salary scale. Congress further instructs
the pay of serving colleagues and the “Assistance”. rule 140: in the first line, the executive Committee to seek the
pension applicable to retired peers. replace the words “a Benevolent” with incorporation of Droichead into the
This Congress also notes the the words “an Assistance”. replace the 2nd year of the PMe.
Additional Superannuation word “Benevolent” with the word
Contribution imposed on workers “Assistance” in the other three places 314. Galway city
through the PSSA. Congress directs the where it occurs. Amend rule 141 so Congress instructs the executive
executive Committee to seek the that it reads as follows: “The Assistance Committee to demand that the
support of the Public Services Fund shall be managed by a Committee Teaching Council report on how
Committee of the irish Congress of of the Union (the “Assistance Fund teacher’s membership fees are being
Trade Unions to lodge a legal challenge Committee”) consisting of four in- used and that any surplus is to be put
immediately if any attempt is made to benefit members of the TUi (elected back into much needed resources for
replace the pay and pension parity link. from each of four separate Area schools and centres.
groupings) and one in-benefit member
of the retired Members’ Association.
each Area grouping will consist of a
number of the electoral Areas as
decided on from time to time by the
www.tui.ie - TUi NeWS 25tui neWs
q. youthreach abhors the continued pay members will not engage in the Calculated
No motions were carried in this section discrimination affecting new entrants Grades process, or variant thereof, for
to the teaching profession since 2011. students due to sit State examinations in
r neW entrants/Pay equity Congress instructs the TUi to 2021.
maintain a mandate for industrial if the priority of Government is to keep
341. executive committee/ action up to and including strike schools open during the COViD-19
it carlow/co. carlow(X2) action and to ballot for such, when pandemic and is currently doing so, the TUi
(amended by dublin and where necessary, until these cannot and will not countenance or accept
city/dublin colleges) problems abate and the issues noted any attempt not to hold the traditional,
Congress notes the resounding above are finally resolved. highly trusted, SeC administered and marked
mandate given to the TUi executive State examinations in 2021.
Committee (92%) for industrial action,
up to and including strike action, as s. teacher unity eMerGency Motion no. 6
part of the campaign to end pay it tralee/iadt tui/cork
discrimination. Congress reiterates 346. executive committee colleges/co. louth/dublin
that pay parity is a key priority of the Noting that colleges/limerick city schools/
TUi and instructs that all necessary • the clear policy of the TUi is to limerick colleges/dublin
measures must now be taken to seek teacher unity dún laoghaire/co donegal/
secure full pay equality once and for • unity would best serve the co. carlow/co. Kerry/athlone it
all. elimination (temporary or interests of all members, of the The COViD emergency resulted in teachers
permanent) of salary scale points does profession and of the public and lecturers being forced to continue
not, of itself, achieve pay parity. education system teaching and assessing from home. Many had
Congress demands that all post 2011 • unity would significantly enhance to purchase equipment and other
entrants receive the same value of bargaining strength and strategic consumables in order to continue to carry
salary as those who entered pre-2011 capacity out their duties. With emergency remote
in terms of core salary (inclusive of Congress instructs the executive teaching still a reality for many it is totally
the value of the honours primary Committee to pursue the objective of unacceptable that members continue to be
degree and H.Dip./PMe allowance). teacher unity (in the first instance out of pocket where they had to purchase
Congress notes the one-day strike in with the ASTi and iFUT) with items necessary to do their job in the
February and the huge public support renewed vigour and purpose. absence of these being supplied by their
for it. Congress instructs the employer.
eMerGency Motions
executive to call for further days of Congress instructs the executive to pursue
strike action, if possible in conjunction an agreement to refund members for
with ASTi and iNTO, until pay parity is expenses incurred in carrying out their
achieved. eMerGency Motion no. 1 duties due to working from home during
co. donegal/Waterford the COViD pandemic.
343. co. cork city/limerick city schools/
Congress recognises the severe co. louth/co. carlow/ eMerGency Motion no. 7
challenges that schools face in the donegal c and c/co. leitrim/ dublin colleges/iadt/co. louth/
recruitment and retention of teachers dublin colleges/co. Meath it tralee/dublin city/
for both and casual, fixed-term term Noting that the TUi: it carlow/dublin dún laoghaire/
and permanent contracts of • engaged fully, proactively and it Blanchardstown/Waterford
employment. Congress demands collaboratively with the Calculated it/co. Kildare/it tallaght/dublin
improvements in the terms, conditions Grades process owing to the colleges/athlone it/st. angela’s,
and pay of teachers, to make teaching unexpected public health emergency sligo
a viable and sustainable career once • engaged, in a good faith basis, in the Congress notes the Motions of
again. Most particularly, the cost and Calculated Grades process based on a Consequence passed at the TUi Congress in
duration of the training and set of assurances and understandings june 2020.
qualification period for teachers is given by the DeS The motion on workloads stated that:
excessive. This is compounded by the “Congress rejects such opportunistic
insufficient incremental starting point and noting that the DeS: manipulation of the goodwill of TUi
for newly recruited teachers, the lack · breached and betrayed the trust of TUi members and exploitation of the public
of a Professional Masters in education members health crisis.
(PMe) allowance, Droichead, Cosán, · showed disregard for vulnerable
and the appalling single public service students and their families by issuing Congress instructs the executive
pension scheme. Teaching is possibly rank order information to students - Committee to protect members against
the most scrutinised, regulated and rank orders that served no purposes such exploitation by
inspected profession in ireland. The whatsoever • demanding and negotiating a sustainable
structures imposed on newly workload model, to include an interim
qualifying teachers are unwarranted TUi Annual Congress instructs the arrangement (if necessary)for the
and make teaching, as a career choice, executive Committee to advise the DeS and coming year
most unattractive. Congress also Government, without delay, that TUi • negotiating the necessary resources(not
26 november/december 2020 - TUi NeWSYou can also read
