News Vol.43 / no.4 March/april 2021 - Teachers' Union of Ireland
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new s
teachers’ union of ireland / AONTAS MÚINTEOIRÍ ÉIREANN
Vol.4 3 / no.4
Ma rc h /a p ri l 2 0 2 1
A Word from the
tui neWs
contents:
p.2 A Word From The President President – Martin Marjoram
p.4 Phased reopening of workplaces
p.5 State Examinations 2021 – an update
p.6 MTU ballot results Dear Members, Phased return to
school/liMited increase
p.6 Don’t miss out on TUI’s accredited While TUI’s opposition to a rushed
course in Trade Union Studies in onsite actiVities in
return to in-person education in January further and higher
p.7 New mental health and wellbeing played an important role in preventing an education
resource for schools unwise policy decision, and has been Though months of further restrictions
p.8 Education International steps up amply vindicated since, the necessity for are before us while the vaccines are
climate action in 2021 emergency remote teaching over such administered, public health advice
p.9 ICTU marks International Women’s an extended period required enormous favours a cautious, phased re-opening of
Day work and commitment from you, which schools and a limited increase in onsite
p.10 TUI in the media TUI has referenced consistently in activities in further and higher education.
p.14 Report on resolutions of Annual negotiations and in the media. Thankfully, Indeed, the more stringent limitations
Congress, 26th June 2020 the state’s vaccination programme, for all imposed in other societal settings are
p.19 Report on resolutions of Special its delays and difficulties, promises an identified as necessary in controlling
Congress, 7th November 2020 end at last to the severe impacts of the community infection levels sufficiently to
p.31 Your voice matters pandemic. In the meantime, TUI has allow education and other essential
p.32 Update to the Teacher Fee Refund been, and will be, working to protect services to proceed, with appropriate
Scheme members from additional workload and mitigation measures in place.
p.33 Important notice for PRSI Class A in terms of health and safety. In order to improve confidence, and to
contributors take advantage of the flexibility arising
p.35 RMA News from only a fraction of staff having to
p.36 Crossword attend in person, TUI has negotiated that
Annual Congress - 6th/7th April 2021
Due to ongoing restrictions as a result of the national Congress will be addressed by both Minister for
health emergency, the TUI’s Annual Congress will take Education, Norma Foley TD and Minister for Further and
place remotely on 6th and 7th April 2021. Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science,
Keep an eye on the Union’s communications channels Simon Harris TD.
for updates and full details on the schedule and format In 2020,TUI’s Annual Congress took place online on
of the event. 26th June 2020, with a Special Congress taking place on
7th November 2020. A full report on resolutions passed at
both events are featured in this magazine.
EDITORIAL Annette Dolan John MacGabhann PRODUCTION
Deputy General Secretary Assistant General Secretary
Martin Marjoram adolan@tui.ie jmacgabhann@tui.ie TUI News is published by the
President Teachers’ Union of Ireland.
president@tui.ie Declan Glynn Seamus Lahart
Assistant General Secretary Aontas Múinteoirí Éireann,
Assistant General Secretary
Liz Farrell dglynn@tui.ie slahart@tui.ie 73 Orwell Road, Rathgar,
Vice President Dublin 6, D06 YP89.
vicepresident@tuimail.ie Aidan Kenny Anne Howard
Assistant General Secretary Assistant General Secretary
Michael Gillespie akenny@tui.ie ahoward@tui.ie T: 01 - 492 2588 F: 01 - 492 2953
General Secretary E: tui@tui.ie W: www.tui.ie
mgillespie@tui.ie Colm Kelly David Duffy
Assistant General Secretary Education & Research Officer
dduffy@tui.ie Printed by:
ckelly@tui.ie
Typecraft Ltd.
Patricia Keating
Joanne Irwin
Administrative Officer
Assistant General Secretary
pkeating@tui.ie
jirwin@tui.ie
Conor Griffin
John O’Reilly
Press & Information Officer
Assistant General Secretary
cgriffin@tui.ie
joreilly@tui.ie
2 March/april 2021 - TUI NEWS
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pregnant members, members who are 60 Building MoMentuM – a
years old or older, and members who are neW PuBlic serVice
in the high-risk health category may agreeMent 2021-2022
continue to work remotely if they so On 23rd February, the Public Services
choose until there is a full return to in- Committee of the ICTU gave its
person attendance in their sector. overwhelming backing to Building
Changes to leave arrangements have also Momentum, the new public service
been secured, giving members greater agreement. The TUI Executive had already
facility to deal with childcare and other made clear its opposition to the proposal
caring responsibilities. because it fails to address the scandal of
pay discrimination. The agreement’s new
Intensive work by TUI on negotiation and Sectoral Bargaining mechanism, whereby
documentation has resulted in unions divert a long-awaited potential pay
agreements and guidance across the rise into funding their own claims and
various sectors and workplaces in which adjudications, is not a just system and
TUI organises. Locally and nationally the could lead to significant divergence
union must be vigilant that onsite between public servants if continued into
activities take place in accordance with future agreements. However, it does
those outcomes. Strict adherence to all provide a means to further address pay
necessary public health requirements inequality so TUI will participate and will
remains essential. The union will not work within the terms of the agreement
tolerate any failure by management to to secure the scheduled pay increases TUI PRESIDENT, MARTIN MARJORAM
implement what is required. and the best outcomes for members.
The closure of our workplaces and the
inadequacy of our database prevented us negotiation teams in all consortiums,
state exaMinations while members in IADT Dun Laoghaire
The further loss of face-to-face teaching from balloting as intended. As soon as
practicable, we will ballot members. In and Dundalk IT face the uncertainty of
in January and February resulted in a not having a clear place in the process at
this regard, I must remind you of the
clamour against “forcing” students to sit all. The Dundalk IT Branch must be
need to update your membership details
the Leaving Certificate examinations. commended for its outstanding display of
if you have not done so. Please take the
While sharing the concerns for students
opportunity by clicking the link here solidarity with management grade
expressed by many, TUI did not favour members in the ongoing dispute
and note that the “Union Reference” field
the Government’s decision to offer regarding the operations of its senior
is not a required field if you do not have
students the choice of SEC accredited your TUI number to hand. leadership team.
grades instead of, or in combination with,
the conventional Leaving Certificate. The annual congress
disastrous spike in COVID-19 cases in industrial relations
Processes and Another, regrettably remote, Annual
January gave clear justification for a Congress is almost upon us. I look
contingency to be put in place against a negotiations
The WRC Conciliation process regarding forward to the debate and the policy
similar occurrence in June. However, with discussion and formulation at the heart of
public health advice continuing to indicate the claim for a conversion process in
Youthreach commenced on 5th March. this key event in our democratic calendar.
that the written examinations and almost I will impress upon both Ministers (for
all additional assessment components can The confidentiality of the process
prevents any detailed report. The next Education and for Further and Higher
take place, the decision to offer choice Education) your remarkable work and
must be viewed as a political response by meeting is scheduled for 20th May.
dedication to your students through this
both Government and opposition as Other long-standing claims, including for unprecedented crisis and the need to
opposed to sound educational or public the restoration of the H.Dip./PME learn that the long-standing policy of
health policy. allowance and regarding incremental operating education at crisis funding
TUI negotiated tirelessly on behalf of credit in Third Level, continue their levels is not a virtue and left us singularly
members, and of the integrity of the frustratingly slow progress through the ill-prepared when struck by COVID-19.
assessment process, and will continue to state’s industrial relations machinery and That the system withstood that impact as
insist on protections for members against we will update members when we have well as it did is a further testament to
workload impositions and undue news. your extraordinary endeavours, but it is
influence or interference in their Work by TUI members and officials surely time to build and fund education
estimation of students’ marks. TUI’s clear continues regarding the Technological on a sustainable basis.
guidance with regard to both Leaving University process. It is unacceptable that Looking forward to seeing many of you at
Certificate and Junior Cycle will continue the Branches in the newly formed Congress, and with every good wish for
to be updated and we will continue to Munster Technological University have your and your family’s health,
negotiate improvements and clarifications encountered such difficulty simply to
with the Department. ensure that management upholds what is
already agreed. Challenges face our
www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 3
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Phased re-opening of workplaces –
ongoing review of public health situation
will be required
Note – as these are additional suPPorts and phased reopening. This is not a return to
safeguards tuition, rather it is a return to facilitate
developing issues, keep an As a result of TUI’s representations, a instruction on specialist equipment
eye on the TUI website and range of additional supports and required for the completion of time-
measures have been agreed to protect critical practical elements and the
social media channels for students and staff. These measures completion of such time-critical practical
include a restoration and enhancement of elements. Learners will revert to
updates. Comprehensive full contact tracing and fast-track testing emergency remote learning after those
information documents and, crucially, arrangements for staff in practical elements are completed.
high risk health categories, those over the
are also available on the age of 60 and pregnant teachers to VulneraBle learners
continue to provide remote teaching. The TUI agreed that vulnerable learners
website, and these will requiring onsite presence to support
be appropriately updated further/adult wellbeing or access to workspace and
education
Wi-Fi to complete course work can also
with any new information. be accommodated, bearing in mind the
The reopening for Further Education and overall footfall of the FET
Training is co-ordinated by a FET centre/institution. In addition, as part of
Stakeholders Forum. Communication
second leVel
the phased reopening, onsite access for
issued from the Stakeholders Forum on vulnerable learners at Level 1 and 2
February 25th in respect of the return to including STP and NLN is proposed from
The TUI has consistently said that
FET centres for learners at levels 4, 5 and March 22nd, 2021. Onsite activity should
members are prepared to facilitate a 6 who are engaged in time-critical
phased and cautious return of students to only include the minimum number of
practical elements across the awards learners required onsite at any given time
schools, subject to the advice and including QQI, City of Guilds, ITEC, supplemented with emergency remote
continuing review of the situation by Junior and Senior Trade examinations. It tuition.
public health authorities. was advised that the target reopening
date for these time-critical classes is additional suPPorts and
Special classes in post-primary schools March 15th, 2021. safeguards
reopened on 22nd February, with final Further education and training
year Leaving Certificate returning on 1st The Stakeholders working group met institutions will continue to operate
March and 5th year students returning on again on March 10th, 2021. The TUI was primarily online with emergency
15th March. The remaining year groups at satisfied with the way the first stage of remote learning remaining the
post-primary level are due to return on the reopening process was delivered by primary mode of delivery for most
12th April, subject to the prevailing public the sector when the final year Leaving activities with remote working
health advice. Certificate / Leaving Certificate Applied encouraged where possible.
session 4 learners and a small number of
At all times, TUI has acknowledged the critical and time sensitive apprenticeship The TUI is ensuring that all
vital importance of face-to-face provision classes returned to FET Centres. planned phased return will be
for students and notes that a number of carried out in a phased approach
concerns that it had expressed have now aPPrenticeshiP and in accordance with current
been addressed and extra safeguards Following the successful return of 251 Governmental COVID-19
provided. apprentices from 1st March, a second Resilience & Recovery 2021 – The
group of 320 time-critical apprentices will Path Ahead framework. All
However, the union also said that it must recommence onsite practical training and planning will be based on full
be recognised there is still considerable assessment from Monday 15th March. adherence to the prevailing
anxiety and concern among school staff, national guidelines and health and
students and their families around the tiMe-critical assessMents safety regulations.
return to schools. In that context it is leVel 4-6
imperative that all safeguards and Having considered public health advice Given that FET is continuing online under
measures set out to protect health and and the need to continue to limit Level 5 Restrictions and the very limited
safety in schools are adhered to. The attendance onsite, the TUI agreed that extent of onsite attendance (strictly
union stated that it will not tolerate any learners at levels 4, 5 and 6 who are limited to what is essential and
slippage in that regard and will take engaged in time-critical practical elements time-critical for course completion
decisive action to protect members in across the awards including QQI, City of purposes and which cannot be delivered
any setting where nonadherence to safety Guilds, Junior and Senior Trade online), the TUI is ensuring that staff in
measures occurs. examinations will commence returning to the high-risk category as well as the over
FET centres and colleges on 15th of 60’s and pregnant staff may continue
March as part of an agreed process for a working remotely if they choose.
4 March/april 2021 - TUI NEWS
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third leVel For some time, TUI had sought the
All safety measures must be
TUI has negotiated terms for a marginal, establishment of a Third Level
Stakeholders’ forum, modelled on the strictly adhered to – members
limited increase in onsite activities in IoTs
successful forum in Further Education will withdraw from engagement
and TUs, as supported by public health
advice. Only essential, time-critical and Training for which TUI also lobbied. in situations where measures and
activities which cannot be conducted On 8th March, the Partnership of safeguards not being adhered to
remotely and are required for Stakeholders in the Technological Sector
(POSITS) forum, comprising TUI, Fórsa, At national level, all measures must be
programme completion are to be
facilitated while all public health SIPTU, Unite, THEA, TU Dublin, the kept under ongoing review, not least to
requirements must be in place. Principles Higher Education Authority, and the take account of the emerging new
and guidance have issued to Branches. It Department of Further and Higher variants of COVID-19.
is clearly laid out that local consultation is Education, Research, Innovation, and
a key element in the limited increase in Science, met for the first time. Now more than ever, all risk mitigation
onsite activities. Any efforts by measures and safeguards will need to
The principles for the marginal, limited be strictly adhered to. The health and
management to bypass that stage must be
increase in onsite activities was safety of students, staff and their
opposed, including through the agreed
negotiated at the POSITS forum. A more
collective grievance procedure if families cannot be compromised. TUI
detailed document was negotiated
necessary. As elsewhere, TUI has members will withdraw from
directly between TUI and THEA, and a
negotiated that pregnant members, engagement in situations where the
similar agreement is being sought with TU
members who are 60 years old or older, measures and safeguards that protect
Dublin.
and members in the high-risk health them and their students are not being
category can continue to work remotely
adhered to.
if they so wish.
state examinations 2021 – an update
IMPORTANT: The Union has produced and regularly updated a significant
and comprehensive set of FAQs on all issues related to this year’s State
Examinations. Click here to access most up-to-date documents.
On 17th February, the Minister for regressive decision in would not be betrayed again, the TUI
Education Norma Foley TD announced relation to additional demanded and has secured water-tight
assessment components
that following a Government decision, the protections in this regard.
no precedent
Leaving Certificate 2021 examinations
would proceed and that students would The TUI said that the Minister’s decision
also have the alternative option of to externally assess oral and practical Critically, our engagement with these
applying for grades accredited by the examinations only for the conventional measures cannot and will not be regarded
State Examinations Commission (SEC), to Leaving Certificate process is regrettable as a precedent for or as agreement to
be known as SEC Accredited Grades. and regressive. Those marks should also operate any such measures in future
be applied to the SEC Accredited Grades years. Our engagement with this process
tui expresses concerns process as sought by the TUI in the is only on the basis of necessity due to
but recognises that some practical concrete proposals that it the national health emergency. Public
key issues addressed brought to the negotiations. Provision of Health advice permitting, we envisage the
an estimated mark that incorporates the Leaving Certificate and Junior Certificate
While expressing serious concerns about
additional assessment components for running in the established manner in
aspects of the parallel processes, the
the SEC Accredited Grade is a poor 2022.
Union recognised that a number of key
consultation with
second best.
issues that it brought forward in the
intensive negotiations on behalf of rank ordering – tui members
members were addressed. These include secures protections The TUI continues to consult intensively
the retention of the established Leaving Crucially, the TUI Executive Committee with members and will seek further
Certificate and of additional components noted that the Department breached and clarifications, where necessary. Should
of assessment as well as protections and betrayed the trust of teachers by you have further questions or
safeguards against any form of canvassing reneging on an assurance given to observations, please send them to
and lobbying. A commitment has been teachers, in relation to the 2020 examqueries2021@tuimail.ie, making
secured by the TUI for the introduction calculated grades system, that the student sure to include details of your workplace
of legislative protections for teachers. The ranking would only be available in or branch.
TUI also noted that, following its public response to a data access request.
request, final clarity was given on the Determined to ensure that our members
Junior Certificate examinations.
www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 5
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Mtu – ballot results make don’t miss out -
clear the need for tui’s accredited course
meaningful engagement in trade union studies
to address concerns of will run again in 2021/22
members
In October 2019, the TUI set up its first online course for
The Munster Technological University (MTU) was established Union representatives in collaboration with the City of
on the 1st January 2021 by the amalgamation of Cork Institute Glasgow College Trade Union Centre. 18 members
of Technology and Institute of Technology Tralee. As part of the completed the course In March 2020 having completed 9
transition process towards a technological university, the online activities, which addressed topics such as the role
members in each branch (Cork and Tralee) were balloted on of representatives, how to access resources and how to
the Terms and Reference and Memorandum of Understanding. deal with disciplinary and grievance procedures. An
additional 23 members will complete the course in 2021.
Concerns began to emerge relating to the failure of the two
institutes to implement the terms of the agreed memorandum. The course is fully accredited and the successful
With a view to resolving the industrial relations matters, the participants are awarded a level 5 Certificate in Trade
union requested the assistance of the Workplace Relations Union Studies. The participants came from all the various
Commission (WRC) which resulted in intensive negotiations sectors that the TUI represents and all spoke of the
occurring in November and December 2020. enjoyment they got from doing the course and how it gave
them extra confidence in fulfilling their various roles in the
The WRC issued a proposal to all parties in January 2021. Due TUI from member of the Workplace Committee to
to COVID-19, the union could not organise workplace ballots Branch Officer.
on the proposal, so a process to carry out postal ballots was
instead pursued. In each branch, the WRC proposal was The TUI is now inviting applications for a limited number
rejected and a ballot for industrial action passed. The first of places for next year’s course which is scheduled to
phase of industrial action is under consideration. TUI has commence in October 2021.
consistently stated that the resolution of industrial relation
For further information or to enrol contact John O’Reilly
disputes can only be found through meaningful engagement.
at joreilly@tui.ie
A note from the Teaching Council:
guidance for registered teachers about the use
of social Media and electronic communication
On 9th February 2021 (Global Safer and engaging ways. Electronic media tools. It is our intention that it be
Internet Day), the Teaching Council’s communication and social media also a useful reminder for some, or generate
‘Guidance for Registered Teachers about provide new ways for teachers to awareness for others, on the appropriate
the use of Social Media and Electronic communicate with students, colleagues use of social media and electronic
Communications’ was launched. The and the public. communication.
Guidance was launched through an ezine
which issued to all registered teachers. An extensive consultation process took The Social Media Guidance document
Additionally, the Guidance was published place with the draft Guidance document may also assist schools when developing
on the Teaching Council website, issuing to every teacher on the Teaching a school’s individual social media policy
circulated to stakeholders by e-mail and Council register who held an e-mail but should not replace or act as a social
published on the Council’s social media address and submissions sought. All key media policy for schools.
platforms. stakeholders engaged in the consultation
process between December 2018 and Please click here to view the Social
Many teachers use social media and September 2019. Media Guidance document on the
electronic communication to enhance Teaching Council website.
their classroom practice, introducing This guidance seeks to support teachers
their students to new tools and in continuing to make the best use of
delivering the curriculum in innovative electronic communication and social
6 March/april 2021 - TUI NEWS
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new mental health and
wellbeing resource for schools
Jigsaw, the youth mental health charity, have launched
the Jigsaw Schools Hub - a new resource offering schools
across Ireland the latest tools and information to help
them support young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
At jigsaw.ie/schools you will find a
growing range of resources for school
staff, created by the Jigsaw team in
collaboration with young people, school
staff, and parents.
The charity recognises the demands
faced by school staff during these
extraordinary times, and wants to
ensure that they have access to the
resources they need to feel confident
and comfortable exploring mental health
and wellbeing with young people.
The resources contribute to delivering a
mental health and wellbeing programme
as part of the school curriculum. And
they have been tailored to support
school staff and students during the
Covid-19 pandemic.
What you will find… Why the Jigsaw The Jigsaw Schools Hub is supported by
schools hub?
Rethink Ireland through the Innovate
■ An Introduction to youth mental Together Fund, a collaboration between
health toolkit to help school staff to Rethink Ireland and the Department of
“We know that schools and their staff
explore mental health and wellbeing Rural and Community Development
do hugely important and amazing work
with young people in the classroom. (via the Dormant Accounts Fund).
in helping to support young people’s
Young people will creatively learn
mental health. And in the Covid-19 No matter how your school role
about their mental health and
pandemic we know that this has become supports young people’s mental health
wellbeing, including what can support
much harder. On top of all this, school and wellbeing, at the Jigsaw Schools Hub
and challenge mental health, ways to
staff are facing greater demands. This is you will find a growing range of up-to-
manage feelings, and how to seek
why, with the support of Rethink Ireland date resources, tools and information to
help if and when it is needed.
through the Innovate Together Fund, I help you with your work.
am delighted to be launching The Jigsaw
■ Ways to support and look after your Schools Hub, with vital mental health and Find out more at jigsaw.ie/schools
own mental health. As you support wellbeing resources to support
young people, it is important to educators at this uniquely difficult time,”
remember to take the time for self- said Jigsaw’s Chief Executive Officer,
care and to look after your own Dr Joseph Duffy.
wellbeing too.
“We believe that the Jigsaw Schools Hub
will help school staff to feel more
■ What school leaders can do to confident and better equipped in how
create a whole-school approach that they respond and support young people
supports staff and students with their with their mental health. And we hope
mental health and wellbeing.You will that it will grow to become an
look at what a whole-school indispensable resource that will
approach to mental health means, contribute to the delivery of wellbeing
and how can it help your school. as part of the school curriculum.”
JIGSAW CEO JOSEPH DUFFY
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education international steps up
climate change action in 2021 and
beyond
It is over a year since COVID-19 was
declared a global pandemic. Today,
battling the virus remains an
immediate and pressing priority
across the globe.
However, we cannot forget that
climate change continues to be the
greatest threat facing humanity and
our planet. Climate change is an
unquestionable reality that is already
causing irreversible damage and great
suffering. If we do nothing, our very
existence is at stake.
leaders, with the campaign running preparedness to teach climate
As recognised by Education until COP 26 in November. Stay change education (as well as
International’s 2019 World Congress, tuned for more information from EI
education unions have a crucial role education on sustainable
in order to take part in upcoming
to play in fighting for a sustainable consumption and production, human
consultations on EI’s policy demands.
world. Taking collective action to rights including gender equality, and
advance climate justice is our The campaign launch event, Teach for cultural diversity and tolerance). Do
responsibility – and it cannot wait. the Planet: the Global Education teachers globally feel they have the
Therefore, EI is urgently stepping up Summit will feature prominent knowledge, motivation, training, time,
climate action this year and beyond. activists from every continent,
resources, and support to teach
ei launches a climate
compelling live panels, interactive
features and powerful stories about about the climate crisis? We want to
change education educators and unions making a know!
campaign: teach for difference around the globe. From
the Planet
The results of the survey will help us
science education in the face of fake
place the teacher perspective at the
Education is a powerful tool to news to why we need transformative
centre of the conversation about
climate education now, the event will
combat climate change.Yet education climate change education and will be
inform, inspire, and compel to action.
is too often neglected in an important part of EI’s campaign.
We will also be joining forces with
governments’ climate action plans. the Youth Summit and the Hip Hop The survey - accessible by clicking
We want this to change. Therefore, Caucus as part of this event. this link - will be open for
EI is launching a flagship campaign responses until 25th April.
calling for governments to urgently
climate change
Climate change affects the most
prioritise the provision of quality vulnerable in our societies and
climate change education for all. education? across the world. As education
Because teachers are crucial for the unions, we have a responsibility to
The campaign will be launched on 21
provision of universal quality climate take urgent action on the climate
April ahead of the Climate Summit
change education, EI has teamed up emergency and the promotion of
hosted by the US on Earth Day (22
quality climate change education for
April). Educators will call for with UNESCO to find out directly
all. Thank you for joining us in this
ambitious climate change education from teachers about their
fight.
commitments to be made by world
8 March/april 2021 - TUI NEWS
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‘Women leadership and change’ -
ictu marks international Women's day
On Friday 5th March, the ICTU Women’s While there have been improvements in need for all Governments to ratify ILO
Committee organised a Seminar the numbers of women working at the Convention 190, which is the first
‘Women Leadership and Change’ to most senior levels in the public sector, international labour standard to address
mark International Women’s Day. In her private sector business has a long way to violence and harassment at work.
address to this event the General go. Currently, only one in nine CEOs are
Secretary of ICTU, Patricia King, female while only 7% of board Governments and employers who are
reminded delegates that despite chairpersons are women. members of the ILO have agreed on the
women’s increased engagement in public Convention and have committed to
decision-making roles, equality is yet to The impact of the pandemic was not improving laws, services, and procedures
be achieved. Notwithstanding the fact gender-neutral. From job losses and for preventing and tackling violence and
that women are entering politics in reduced working hours to spikes in harassment. Congress is currently in
greater numbers than ever before, men domestic violence and more difficulties dialogue with Minister O’Gorman with a
still dominate politics and power in combining work and family view to agreeing on a proposal on the
Ireland with only 25% of cabinet posts responsibilities, the effects of the introduction of Domestic Violence Leave
held by women. pandemic have hit women the hardest. in Ireland.
Globally, according to UN figures, the We need to remember all women who Congress also calls on Minister
pattern is no different, where only in 14 have been in the vanguard of the national O’Gorman to progress the long-awaited
countries do women account for 50% or effort to keep us safe and ensure the Gender Pay Gap Information Bill as a
more of cabinet members. Congress provision of our essential services. They matter of urgency.
urges political parties to select and have made massive sacrifices and taken
many risks to keep society functioning in We are looking forward to working with
support more women candidates in the
the areas of healthcare, teaching, retail, the UN Decade of Action programme
future to ensure that women can achieve
the office, and in the home. which we expect will accelerate our
50% representation in parliament within
progress to achieving the ‘2030’
a reasonable timeframe.
We will continue to work with our sustainable goals agenda for women and
international colleagues to reinforce the girls globally.
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tui neWs
tui in the media
In recent weeks, TUI representatives have engaged with the media around a
number of key issues. A sample is set out below.
and students, and realise that what being put under pressure. We
we want is a robust system that welcome the indications from
does have integrity and that any Government in relation to
undue pressure on teachers would protections for teachers so that the
be unacceptable.’ TUI President system’s integrity isn’t undermined.’
Martin Marjoram interviewed on TUI President Martin
importance of protections for teachers Marjoram addresses the need for
for Leaving Certificate 2021 on protections for teachers regarding
Virgin Media News bulletins Leaving Certificate 2021 on Virgin
18/2/21 Media News bulletins -
________________ 26/2/21
Public health advice must ________________
guide return to school, unions “Tracking and tracing measures
warn must be robust and fit for purpose,
MARTIN MARJORAM, RTE 1ST FEBRUARY The TUI said its members are while any member of the school
prepared to facilitate a phased and community - staff or student - who
‘The Leaving Certificate is far more ‘We realise that students are under cautious return of students to has symptoms of Covid-19 or is a
than a sit-down exam. There are a a lot of stress and strain and we schools, subject to ongoing reviews close contact of a confirmed case
huge range of second components want to alleviate it. The only way to by the public health authorities.- must stay at home,” said TUI
of assessment – orals, practicals, do it is to provide clarity. Any Irish Examiner 23/2/21 general secretary Micheal
performances in music, engineering process must take into account ________________ Gillespie. “We have already stated
and construction projects – and all students’ and teachers’ concerns that we will not tolerate any
of these test different skills.’ TUI and we must have a Leaving Schools will reopen on
Monday for Leaving Certs slippage in terms of nonadherence
General Secretary Michael Certificate that has integrity and to key safety measures in
Gillespie interviewed on RTE's that is meaningful.’ - TUI General and junior infants to second
class, Minister confirms workplaces.” - Irish Times
Drivetime programme 1/2/21 Secretary Michael Gillespie 1/3/21
discussed the union's engagement The Teachers’ Union of Ireland said
________________ a continuing review of the situation ________________
TUI General Secretary in the process for this year’s
Leaving Certificate and the union’s is needed by public health The Teachers’ Union of Ireland
Michael Gillespie was authorities, Irish Times 23/2/21 (TUI) urged vigilance to ensure that
interviewed on Newstalk’s The position on the phased return to
schools on RTE Radio 1’s Today ________________ the return is safe and sustainable.
Pat Kenny Show about the hike The union has said that it is
in numbers applying through the With Katie Hannon ‘It is really important that school
programme 13/2/21 authorities and the Department “absolutely imperative that all
CAO system and its implications safeguards and measures to protect
and also issues around Leaving Cert ________________ ensure full compliance with all
necessary measures in order to health and safety in schools are
2021 2/2/21 Speaking to RTÉ’s Morning adhered to”- RTE website
Ireland, the TUI’s Martin keep everybody safe.’ TUI
________________ President Martin Marjoram 1/3/21
‘We still hope that the traditional Marjoram said the union had ________________
come to a decision that the Junior interviewed on RTE’s Nine News
Leaving Certificate with regarding confirmation of a return TUI General Secretary
modifications to take account of Cert couldn’t run. “We have come
to a decision we don’t like coming to schools for final year Leaving Michael Gillespie outlined why
the lost face-to-face tuition time Certificate students - 23/2/21 TUI believes mock examinations
can run in something close to the to, but on balance the Junior
Certificate examination cannot go ________________ for final year Leaving Cert students
normal way.’ TUI President are counter-productive and should
Martin Marjoram discussed ahead this year,” he said. “It’s a Leag Declan Glynn, Ard-Rúnaí
decision we have made with regret” Cúnta, amach na socruithe i leith na not take place with limited tuition
TUI’s position on Leaving Cert time remaining in this academic
2021 on RTE's Six One News - 17/2/21 mBéaltrialacha Ardteistiméireachta
ar an gclár Tús Áite ar Raidió year on RTE's Drivetime
1/2/21 ________________ programme 4/3/21
‘What’s good about the plan is that na Gaeltachta ar 26ú Feabhra
________________ ________________
public health advice supports the ________________
TUI President Martin Phléigh Declan Glynn, Ard-Rúnaí
Marjoram discussed the re- running of the state exams in June ‘We now have several months of
and that the additional components teaching still to go that that does Cúnta, ceist na mbréagscrúduithe
opening of special classes from Ardteiste ar an gclár
22nd February, the possible return of assessment are covered. In terms provide potential dangers in that
of these additional components, teachers could find themselves Adhmhaidin, de chuid Raidió
of Leaving Cert students and na Gaeltachta ar 5/3/21
related issues on RTE’s Today one of the biggest disappointments
With Claire Byrne programme is that they will only be provided to
11/2/21 Click here those who are going to sit the
written exam. We believe that this
________________ would have been a far more robust
TUI General Secretary system had they been provided to
Michael Gillespie set out TUI’s everybody.’ - TUI President
position on Leaving Cert 2021 on Martin Marjoram took part in a
RTE television news bulletins, panel discussion on RTE’s Today
confirming that no new concessions With Claire Byrne programme in
have been offered to other relation to this year’s Leaving
stakeholders by Government Certificate 18/2/21
13/2/21 ________________
________________ ‘We would appeal to everybody
that they adhere to their
responsibilities, particularly parents MICHAEL GILLESPIE, RTE NEWS 13TH FEBRUARY
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www.tui.ie - TUI NEWStui neWs
REPORT ON RESOLUTIONS OF ANNUAL
CONGRESS – 26TH JUNE 2020
AND ACTIONS TAKEN
MOTIONS OF
CONSEQUENCE UNDER
RULE 23
MOTIONS CARRIED
A. MOTIONS RELATING
TO THE COVID-19
EMERGENCY AND ITS
CONSEQUENCES
Motion 1 - Health
Congress notes
■ that the members of the TUI look
forward to the re-opening of schools,
centres, colleges, institutes and
universities to all staff and students as PRESIDENT’S ADDRESS, ANNUAL CONGRESS 26TH JUNE 2020
soon as that can be done safely and
■ the Union’s consistent, reasonable
and principled view that its advice to under the “Safety, Health and Welfare Education and Skills/Employer
members will at all points be at Work Act 2005” to select and decisions or protocols in relation to
informed by and in compliance with appoint a “Safety Representative”). return to workplaces, including those
the advice of the public health the obligation on employers to in respect of social distancing, must
authorities provide appropriate training in a be based upon and adhere to the
■
■ the duty of the Union to protect the timely manner to all employees in advice of the national public health
best interests of members, having relation to safe return to the authorities
regard to their right to a safe workplace and other related matters any such decisions must prioritise the
workplace, including when working the deficits in terms of physical health and safety of both staff
■
remotely infrastructure and facilities of members and students
■
■ the duty of care of members to their education sector workplaces prior to and framing any such
students uneven and inadequate access to decisions, there must be full,
■
broadband and appropriate digital meaningful and structured
■
In this context Congress notes learning resources available to consultation and discussion at
■ the continuing risk associated with members and students national level with the TUI and other
Covid-19 according to the public that current cleaning and hygiene relevant parties
health authorities regimes (and resourcing therefor) are shaped by this consultation and
■
■ the current requirements under public insufficient to support a safe return to discussion, national guidance must
■
health authority advice and those workplaces issue and must inform discussion and
government decision in relation to the substantial number of staff implementation of such decisions at
physical distancing in workplaces members and students who have local, institutional, employer and/or
■
■ the right of workers under the underlying health issues that sectoral level (as relevant)
relevant protocols to have Lead significantly increase the level of risk the necessary level of resources
Worker Representatives in place, they would face upon return to the (including PPE, where appropriate)
■
selected by those whom they workplace. be made available to schools,
represent and as set out in the ICTU colleges and centres
guidelines Congress therefore demands that
■ the pre-existing right of workers ■ any Government/ Department of Congress also instructs the Executive
14 March/april 2021 - TUI NEWStui neWs
Committee to initiate a campaign of following the Christmas 2020 break and members by importing –
action and, if necessary, ballot members the Union is engaged with the relevant inappropriately and without
for industrial action, at institutional, authorities, including Public Health, in agreement - elements of the
employer, sectoral, regional or national this regard. emergency arrangements
level, as appropriate, in the event that impose a regime of online
return to workplaces is demanded in a Motion 2 - Workload assessments in order to reduce costs
and IR
■
manner and/or at a time that is move permanently and without
considered not to be consistent with the agreement to a greatly increased
■
advice of the public health authorities or Congress notes that reliance on online delivery and
that places at risk the health and safety of ■ TUI members have been working working from home
members and/or of their students. throughout the period since closure of unilaterally impose calendar or
schools/colleges/centres on 12th timetable arrangements that breach
■
The Union has consistently applied the March the terms of existing agreements
policy set out by the motion in relation to ■ teaching and learning in a remote and/or circulars
each sector and employment in which we environment has been and continues combine classes, increase class size
have members. A fundamental under- to be very challenging for members and thereby both increase the
■
pinning principle of the TUI’s approach and their students, respectively workload of some members and
is adherence to public health advice. ■ members of the Union have reduce or eliminate the working
In this regard and to embed the TUI demonstrated their commitment in hours of others
position in public and political maintaining their service (including assign additional administrative and
discourse, the Union has, both before but not confined to emergency compliance duties to members
■
and since Annual Congress 2020, remote teaching) to students
engaged in a sustained media campaign, ■ workload has increased significantly Congress rejects such opportunistic
clearly setting out the five key demands as a consequence manipulation of the goodwill of TUI
in numerous high-profile national and ■ the TUI secured a specific agreement members and exploitation of the public
regional media interviews. (covering each sector) that the health crisis. Congress instructs the
arrangements put in place to deal Executive Committee to protect
The Union also demanded and secured with the Covid-19 emergency do not members against such exploitation by
structured, regular engagement constitute a precedent and will not be ■ demanding and negotiating a
regarding health and safety and other repeated in ordinary times sustainable workload model, to
issues relating to the re-opening of ■ in each sector, exceptional include an interim arrangement (if
schools, centres and colleges with the arrangements were put in place by necessary) for the coming year
Ministers and senior officials of the DES members in order to ensure that ■ negotiating the necessary resources
and DFHERIS, the relevant education students could complete their (not least ICT resources) to support
management associations and bodies programmes of study and have access both that model and the high quality
and, where necessary, the Public Health to the appropriate accreditation or education provided to our students
authorities and other partners. The certification, including changes to ■ instigating an effective campaign of
Union has also addressed issues to and assessment procedures in the FET action wherever instances of
through the ICTU where it is the body and third level sectors and the opportunism or exploitation by
that represents employees at particular development and implementation of a employers occur and, in this regard,
national fora – such as the Labour, calculated grades system at second if necessary, balloting members for
Employer, Economic Forum (LEEF). level. industrial action, at institutional,
employer, sectoral, regional or
As a direct result of TUI’s Congress is concerned that, national level, as appropriate
representations, functioning stakeholder notwithstanding commitments received ■ pursuing the Union’s existing claims
fora on COVID-19 issues are in place by the Union that no precedent will be with vigour.
for the post-primary, Further and Adult established, some employers are seeking
Education and Higher Education to The TUI has been vigilant in addressing
sectors. Through these fora, the Union ■ normalise and embed these issues as and where they arise.
has been able successfully to press home exceptional and once-off Recognising that local transgressions by
its demands. arrangements, including the management would continue in the
associated increases in workload absence of nationally agreed protocols
At the time of writing, due to firm action
■ frustrate the Union’s legitimate and and protections, the Union negotiated an
taken by the TUI (in the light of the very
reasonable pre-existing claims, such Emergency Remote Teaching Agreement
sharp increase in cases and the
as the claim at Third Level, in respect with the Technological Higher Education
emergence of COVID-19 variants that
of on-line learning Association (THEA) and the
are more transmissible) schools, centres
■ change terms and conditions of Technological University Dublin. This
and colleges have not yet re-opened
www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 15tui neWs
agreement makes it clear that emergency appropriate and adequate resources and In relation to post-primary, the TUI was
measures related to or necessitated by that they are always in full compliance the first stakeholder to point to the need
the COVID-19 public health emergency with the prevailing public health advice. for adjustments to the Leaving
do not set a precedent and that members To that end, the TUI has insisted that all Certificate examinations 2021 to take
can make appropriate academic documents first come to stakeholders in account of the disruption caused by
decisions to facilitate student learning draft form for commentary. By providing COVID-19 restrictions, including
during the emergency. extensive and consistent feed-back on all periods of school closure. The Union
such drafts, the Union has succeeded in also highlighted the fact that the
Similar “no precedent” agreements were exercising positive influence on the negative impact of these disruptions has
negotiated by the Union for the post- documents that eventually issued to the varied substantially and that already
primary and Further and Adult system and on associated levels of marginalised students have been further
Education sectors. resourcing. marginalised, not least because of poor
In respect of the alternative assessment connectivity, the lack of adequate ICT
Motion 3 - Programmes of
arrangements for 2020 – for example, resources and the cost (to families and/or
schools) of procuring such resources.
Study/Curriculum/Syllabi
the Calculated Grades process - the
Union insisted upon (and secured) a Jointly with the ISSU, the TUI, in autumn
written agreement that these too would 2020, addressed to the Minister and
be deployed on a no precedent basis. Recognising that restrictions imposed in
response to the Covid-19 health crisis through the media, the emerging problem
Moreover, if, based on public health of undue focus by some schools on serial
advice and the prevailing conditions have meant that some elements of certain
programmes of study/curriculum/syllabi assessment of Leaving Certificate
related to COVID-19, any such students, to the detriment of appropriate
alternative arrangements are again could not be completed for particular
cohorts of students, Congress instructs teaching and learning.
required in 2021, the no-precedent
agreements will again have to apply. the Executive Committee to engage with Late in the year, the State Examinations
the appropriate statutory authorities, Commission confirmed that adjustments
The Union has raised workload concerns awarding bodies and/or management would be made to the return dates for
directly with individual employers authorities with a view to having certain LC assessment components and
(Institutes, ETBs, Boards of Management appropriate adjustments made to the that greater choice would be offered to
of schools) and has, in most cases, programmes/curriculum and/or related students in the LC written examinations
secured local resolution. In some cases assessments so that students are not in June 2020. At the time of writing, the
that has required recourse to the unfairly and adversely affected by Union is seeking a more extensive range
applicable grievance procedure. Where circumstances that are beyond their of adjustments to take fair account of the
matters have not been resolved locally, control and that the necessary resourcing further period of school closure and
the Union has brought them to the is provided to support any such reliance on emergency remote teaching
national management bodies and/or to adjustments. Furthermore, such in early 2021.
the relevant Industrial Relations national adjustments must respect fully members’
forum (Teachers’ Conciliation Council, existing terms and conditions of The Union has also kept under review
ETB IR Forum, IoT IR Forum or NNF). employment. the (QQI and other applicable)
assessment modalities in Further and
Health and safety matters relating to Congress also instructs the Executive Adult Education and is seeking
remote working have been raised in the Committee to demand of Government appropriate adjustments. The Union has
relevant stakeholders’ fora on COVID-19 and the relevant agencies that the also made specific representations in
related issues or, if appropriate, at the educational inequalities that have been regard to courses in which placements
industrial relations forum for the sector. starkly illustrated and exacerbated by the are a required element for qualification
Some such matters have also been raised digital divide (as it has affected and progression to employment.
by the TUI at the ICTU Health and particular cohorts of students during the
Safety Committee. period of school/college/centre closure) At third level, issues relating to
be addressed as a matter of urgency and assessment have been addressed in the
Throughout the period since March the requisite resources provided towards first instance at and through the
2020, the TUI has invested significant that end. designated academic fora. Where
effort into ensuring that guidance matters of contention are not resolved
documents issue from the DES and other This position was consistently set out in locally, they are brought – if need be as
relevant departments in a timely manner, TUI press releases and by TUI IR issues – to the appropriate national
that those documents are comprehensive contributors to national and regional forum.
in their scope, that they prioritise the media in the weeks and months that
health and safety of staff and students, followed Congress 2020.
that they identify and provide for
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