News VOL.40 / NO.5 March 2018 - Teachers' Union of Ireland
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TEACHERS’ UNION OF IRELAND / AONTAS MÚINTEOIRÍ ÉIREANN
VOL .40 / NO.5
Ma rch 20 18
TUI NEWS
CONTENTS:
p.2 A Word From
The President
p.4 Pay Equalisation
campaign continues
p.6 Youthreach
Incremental Credit
Scheme
p.7 TUI in the media
p.10 BTEI conversion
process
p.12 Report on Annual
Congress 2017
resolutions
p.27 RMA News
p.28 Crossword
EDITORIAL PRODUCTION
Annette Dolan Bernie Ruane TUI News is published by the
Deputy General Secretary Assistant General Secretary Teachers’ Union of Ireland.
adolan@tui.ie bruane@tui.ie
Aontas Múinteoirí Éireann,
73 Orwell Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6.
Declan Glynn David Duffy
Joanne Irwin Assistant General Secretary Education & Research Officer
President dglynn@tui.ie dduffy@tui.ie T: 01-492 2588 F: 01-492 2953
president@tui.ie E: tui@tui.ie W: www.tui.ie
Aidan Kenny Nadia Johnston
Seamus Lahart Assistant General Secretary Administrative Officer
Printed by:
Vice-President akenny@tui.ie njohnston@tui.ie
Typecraft Ltd.
vicepresident@tuimail.ie
Michael Gillespie Conor Griffin
Assistant General Secretary Press & Information Officer
John MacGabhann mgillespie@tui.ie cgriffin@tui.ie
General Secretary
jmacgabhann@tui.ie Colm Kelly
Assistant General Secretary
ckelly@tui.ie
2 March 2018 - TUI NEWS
A Word from the
President – Joanne Irwin
In addition, we have continued to lobby experience has been negotiated by the
public representatives and TUI also made a Union with ETBI and the DES. The details
detailed submission on the teacher supply of this scheme are set out elsewhere in
crisis – itself inextricably linked to pay this magazine
discrimination - to the Joint Oireachtas
Committee on Education and Skills. A
summary of that submission is set out BTEI conversion process
elsewhere in this magazine. During the course of an analysis by ETBs, it
became clear that the planned BTEI
conversion process to convert existing
Third level ballot over re- BTEI staff either to teacher or adult
designation of second ‘flex’ hour educator needed to be expanded to
The DES/TUI Agreement, May 2016 contain a third option as otherwise it
TUI PRESIDENT, JOANNE IRWIN allowed for re-designation from January could have negative implications for some
2017 of one of the two ‘flex’ hours that TUI members in terms of salary or
were required of Institute of Technology pension entitlements. Following extensive
Annual Congress 2018 lecturers. The Agreement, accepted in good discussions, the agreement is being
Colleagues, this edition of TUI News faith by TUI members in a national ballot, expanded to offer a third option of
contains a full report on actions taken in further stated that a review of lecturing ‘remaining as-is’, which, depending on
relation to last year’s Congress resolutions. would be completed by March 2017 and individual circumstances, may benefit a
As you can see, every reasonable effort has that this review should prioritise member more than either of the other
been made to progress a range of re-designation of the second ‘flex’ hour. options. See p.10 for full details. ETBs can
important issues across the various now proceed with the conversion process.
As this deadline has not been met and the
sectors in which TUI members work. TUI has written to the Chief Executives in
second ‘flex’ hour remains as a class
This year’s Annual Congress takes place in all ETBs advising them that it is in their
contact hour, TUI is currently balloting
Clayton Whites Hotel, Wexford. interest to ensure that the conversion
third level members for industrial action,
process for those qualified and registered
up to and including strike action, as
with the Teaching Council concludes
directed by the Executive Committee. The
End pay discrimination now promptly.
Executive Committee is recommending
Since my last editorial, two significant that members vote ‘Yes’ to engage in a
protests have taken place as part of our such a campaign.
ongoing campaign to restore pay parity. Principals and Deputy Principals
If members vote in favour of the ballot, the – Appeals Procedure
On 1st February, TUI members staged initial action will include delivery, at An appeals procedure has been negotiated
lunchtime protests outside their places of maximum, of the weekly norm of class by the TUI for appointments to the
work to draw attention to the contact hours for the relevant grade with positions of Principal and Deputy Principal.
unacceptability of this two-tier regime and effect from the commencement of the The Executive Committee approved the
to highlight the severe damage that it is 2018/2019 academic year. procedure on 9th March and it is expected
inflicting on the education system. to issue to the system very soon.
Separately, a special TUI News bulletin has
On 7th March, TUI members joined with issued to members in Institutes of
their ASTI and INTO colleagues in Technology on this issue. Please make sure
protesting outside Dáil Éireann. On the See you in Wexford!
to vote ‘Yes’ and to return completed
day, representatives from all three unions Safe travelling to all delegates who will
ballot papers to the auditors by the
made it clear that a Government report attend Annual Congress in Wexford. I look
deadline of 18th April.
due later in March must signal the forward to the debates that will shape the
imminent completion of the process of pay TUI policies that protect and enhance the
working conditions of members and the
equalisation. Youthreach Incremental Credit
quality of the education system.
Both events created several media Scheme
opportunities for TUI representatives to A scheme for the awarding of incremental
draw public attention to this most critical credit to Youthreach Resource Persons and
of issues. Youthreach Co-ordinators in recognition
of previous equivalent or relevant
www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 3
TUI NEWS
Campaign intensifies ahead of publication of
pay equalisation report
Ahead of the March publication of a Government report on pay equalisation,TUI has intensified its
campaign, keeping this critical issue both in the public eye and on the agenda of public
representatives across the political spectrum.
The forthcoming report, which will set out the cost of and a plan in dealing with pay equalisation for
new entrants to the public service, is required under the Public Service Pay and Pensions Act, 2017.
Lunchtime protest
On 1st February, TUI members across the country staged
lunchtime protests outside their schools, colleges and centres. The
protest received significant media coverage across both regional
and national outlets from early morning until that night. Speaking on
the day, Union President Joanne Irwin warned that an already bad
situation will get much worse ahead of the next academic year
unless pay parity is restored for those employed since 2011.
‘It can no longer be denied that pay inequality is threatening the
quality of the education system,’ she said. ‘Reports and statistics
from school management bodies, the higher education institutes
and teacher unions consistently cite every-growing difficulties in
recruiting teachers in second level subjects including Irish, modern JOANNE IRWIN ADDRESSES DEMONSTRATION OUTSIDE
languages, across the Science, Technology, Engineering and DÁIL ÉIREANN
Mathematics (STEM) areas and Home Economics.’
The further education sector is struggling to recruit suitably
qualified teachers for modules such as social care, digital media and TUI/ASTI/INTO Dáil demonstration
the STEM disciplines as better employment options are available On 7th March, a demonstration organised by the TUI, the ASTI and
elsewhere. At third level, some Institutes of Technology have the INTO took place outside the Dáil. In a press conference prior
reported difficulties in recruiting staff at Assistant Lecturer level. In to the event, the unions highlighted how some teachers could lose
a number of cases, advertisements have not attracted any as much as €100,000 over the course of their career as a result of
applications and the posts have had to be re-advertised. pay inequality.
‘The real reason behind this crisis is abundantly clear,’ she said.
TUI President Joanne Irwin highlighted how graduates who might
‘Those teachers and lecturers who entered the system since 2011
formerly have chosen teaching are now choosing other
are paid at a lower rate than their colleagues for carrying out the
employment options. INTO President John Boyle said it was high
same work, and graduates who might formerly have chosen
time for the Government to commit to righting the wrong imposed
teaching are now choosing other employment options.’
in 2011, while his ASTI counterpart Ger Curtin warned of a brain
She dismissed the various ‘sticking plaster’ solutions that have been drain of highly educated, talented Irish teachers to other
suggested by the Minister and his Department, making clear that jurisdictions.
unless and until pay equality is restored, the crisis will deepen.
LUNCHTIME PROTEST – COLÁISTE AN CHLÁIRÍN, ATHENRY, LUNCHTIME PROTEST – BALLINCOLLIG COMMUNITY
CO GALWAY SCHOOL, CO CORK
4 March 2018 - TUI NEWS
TUI NEWS
LUNCHTIME PROTEST – LIMERICK INSTITUTE OF LUNCHTIME PROTEST – LIFFORD YOUTHREACH,
TECHNOLOGY CO DONEGAL
TUI highlights impact of pay inequality on
current teacher supply crisis
TUI made a detailed submission to the Oireachtas Joint
Committee on Education and Skills in March around the crisis in
teacher recruitment and retention.
The Union highlighted the clear links between pay inequality and
severe teacher supply problems.
Research shows that the crisis has emerged since discriminatory
pay scales were introduced in 2011 and was exacerbated both by
cessation of payment of qualifications allowances in 2012 and the
increase from one to two years in the duration of the post-primary
teacher training qualification – the Professional Master of
Education (PME) from 2013.
Progress has been made in the campaign for pay equality. Now that
process must be completed as a matter of urgency. DÁIL PAY INEQUALITY PROTEST, 7TH MARCH 2018
The key points made in the submission are that: • Service to students in schools is suffering severe disruption
• The cuts to pay and conditions inflicted on new entrants in 2011 because of timetable changes necessitated by the lack of qualified
and exacerbated by further cuts in 2012, have had the effect of teachers, including teachers for substitution (with a resultant
sharply reducing the attractiveness of teaching as a profession fracturing of delivery and absence of continuity for students)
with the result that the number of applicants for initial teacher • Students are losing out on educational opportunities both inside
education has dropped dramatically and outside of school
• Those same cuts have led to a rapid rise in the number of • Departmental agencies and support services cannot recruit staff
recently qualified teachers emigrating. The emigration rate of due to teacher shortages and the difficulty in engaging qualified
recently qualified post-primary teachers is now five times what it substitutes
was in 2008 • Student numbers are rising rapidly at precisely the same time as
the attractiveness of teaching is falling dramatically
• The crisis is not restricted to a small number of subject areas; it
is a burgeoning problem
• The teaching profession in Ireland is highly respected and highly
qualified. The high quality of the Irish education system is a
public good of strategic national importance. It is vital that high
standards are maintained. In that regard restoring pay equality is
necessary
• Short-term patches/fixes have failed in other jurisdictions. They
will delay rather than provide a solution
• There are worrying trends in the age profile of the teaching
profession. The average age of post-primary teachers is 41.1.
Over 15% of teachers are over the age of 55 but only 7% are
DÁIL PAY INEQUALITY PROTEST, 7TH MARCH 2018 under the age of 25.
www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 5TUI NEWS
Youthreach incremental Retrospective
credit scheme vetting
At the time of going to print, a • Teaching experience in a qualified The Minster for Justice and Equality recently
Circular Letter in relation to a scheme capacity in the State Sector in the extended the deadline for all employees working
for incremental credit for Youthreach European Economic Area (EEA), with children or vulnerable persons to apply for
Resource Persons and Youthreach Co- which is regarded as relevant. The vetting to 30 April 2018.
ordinators is being finalised. EEA consists of the Member States The Teaching Council undertakes vetting of
of the European Union along with teachers for registration and renewal purposes as
The following prior service may be Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. well as on behalf of employers. The Teaching
recognised for incremental credit Swiss citizens under EU Council has announced that of the 98,000
purposes: agreements may also qualify. teachers on the Register; in excess of 99% are
fully vetted. The Teaching Council would like to
• Prior recognised service as a • Teaching service given in a Member thank you for your cooperation with the
Youthreach Resource Person State of the EU and demonstrated retrospective vetting process.
(either on a pro-rata or in a fixed- by evidence, to the satisfaction of
There remain a small number of registered
term or substitute/cover capacity). the Chief Executive of the ETB, to
teachers who have not yet fully complied with
be equivalent to approved teaching
the retrospective vetting notices issued by the
• Prior recognised service as an service shall be regarded as
Teaching Council. If you are one of these teachers
Adult Educator (either on a pro- approved teaching service for the
please be aware that in order to be eligible to
rata or in a fixed-term or purpose of this circular. renew your registration you will need to have
substitute/cover capacity). applied for vetting via the Council before your
Further details regarding each item on renewal date. Otherwise your registration may
• Service in Further Education/Adult the above list are outlined in the not be renewed and you cannot receive a State
Education delivery or tuition in a Circular, including the effective date funded salary.
grade or at a rate equivalent to a from which credit can be applied.
Youthreach Resource Person, While you may be retired or do not intend
which is regarded as relevant Persons appointed since on or renewing your registration, it is important to
after 1 July 2016 may be awarded note that, if you wish to undertake work as a
• Prior recognised service as a appropriate credit backdated to substitute teacher or for the State Examinations
Youthreach Co-Ordinator (either the date of appointment as a Commission; registration is required. In order to
on a pro-rata or in a fixed fixed- Youthreach Resource Person/ maintain your registration you need to undergo
term or substitute/cover capacity). Co-Ordinator. Persons appointed vetting via the Teaching Council.
before 1 July 2016 who have not Further information is available on the Teaching
• Teaching experience in a qualified already had incremental credit Council’s website in the Vetting Section under
capacity in an Oireachtas funded awarded may have it awarded FAQs. The DES Circular 31/2016 sets out the
position in Ireland, which is with effect from 1 July 2016. statutory vetting requirements for teachers
regarded as relevant. changing schools/jobs.
TUI welcomes recommendations on
off-shore island schools
TUI has welcomed the publication of the afford these schools the opportunity to that the Minister investigates the
report and recommendations of the Joint operate on a level playing field.’ possibility of extending the scholarship
Oireachtas Committee on Education and scheme and removing the exclusion of
Among the report’s recommendations are:
Skills on Off-Shore Island Schools. The Gaeltacht pupils from the eligibility
Union has 138 members in five such 1. The reinstatement of the island criteria;
schools off the coasts of Galway and allowance for teachers in island schools
5. That independent status be granted to
Donegal. as an incentive for accessing and
Coláiste Naomh Eoin, Inis Meáin;
retaining teaching staff;
TUI President Joanne Irwin described the
6. That DEIS status be awarded to the five
recommendations as ‘having significant 2. Improved School Budgets – an annual
post-primary island schools concerned;
potential to address the unique challenges increase of €20,000 per post-primary
faced by these schools.’ island school; 7. That a specific policy to address the
needs of island schools is drafted and
‘Implementation of the recommendations 3. Teacher Allocation – that the formula
implemented; and
would provide an essential and timely boost for teacher allocation be amended and
to island communities,’ she said. ‘All increased to reflect the needs of off- 8. That a system of ‘island proofing’ be
stakeholders have found common cause shore island schools; implemented for legislation, policies and
with this issue. It is now crucial that the initiatives produced by the DES in the
Minister and his Department act urgently to 4. Enrolment and Scholarship Schemes –
future.
6 March 2018 - TUI NEWSTUI NEWS
TUI in the media
TUI representatives have engaged in significant media activity in recent weeks, with a
particular focus on the campaign for pay equality. A sample of some of the issues
addressed are set out below.
TUI lunchtime protest over pay Irwin said there was
inequality, 1st February 2018 growing evidence of
acute difficulties
TUI’s lunchtime protest over pay recruiting second
inequality on 1st February received level teachers for
extensive national and local media key subjects such as
coverage. Irish, French,
On RTE’s Today With Sean O’ Rourke German, Science,
programme, TUI General Secretary John Maths and Home
MacGabhann said that restoring pay Economics. “The
equality ‘would substantially solve the range of subjects
crisis of teacher supply at second level.’ affected will
inevitably have MEDIA INTERVIEWS OUTSIDE GREENHILLS COLLEGE
On Today FM News, TUI Assistant broadened further DURING FEBRUARY’S LUNCHTIME PROTEST
General Secretary Michael Gillespie, who by next September
has 23 years’ teaching experience, said unless the only ‘sticking plaster’ fixes will not work,” he
that in the absence of pay equality, he guaranteed remedy – a restoration of pay said.
would not recommend the teaching equality – is implemented,” she said.
profession to his own children. Meanwhile, TUI representatives including
In the Irish Examiner, the Chair of CIT Vice President Seamus Lahart, Area 8
Teachers protesting outside Greenhills branch, Shane O’Rourke, said that TUI Representative Séamus Ó Fearraigh,
College, Dublin 12, outlined the members, whether affected by the pay Kerry Branch Chair Joe Brennan and Birr
demoralising and unfair effect of pay issue or not, were completely united in Gallen Branch Chair Michael Lyons
inequality on RTE’s Drivetime demanding an end to the pay outlined the hugely damaging effects of
programme. TV3 News and various discrimination as a matter of urgency pay inequality on both the teaching
other media outlets also interviewed “The reputation and the high quality of profession and the education system in
teachers outside the same school. the country’s education system is at interviews throughout the day on radio
stake here, and short-term, short-sighted, stations across the country.
In the Irish Times, TUI president Joanne
Change to religious Dáil pay inequality protest and press conference – 7th March 2018
instruction will require Ahead of the joint
more teachers in schools TUI/ASTI/INTO pay
inequality protest outside
– 19th February 2018 Dáil Eireann, the three Union
The Minister for Education and presidents and recently
Skills announced on 19th qualified teachers held a
February that students who did press conference to highlight
not wish to participate in the devastating impact of pay
religious instruction in ETB and inequality on the teaching
Community Post Primary profession and the education
schools would have to be system. It was highlighted that
offered alternative tuition. TUI even despite gains achieved
stated that, contrary to the by the Unions, recently TUI PRESIDENT AND TEACHER DAVID WATERS WITH ASTI
Minister’s comments, this qualified teachers still stand AND INTO COLLEAGUES AT DÁIL PROTEST PRESS
measure would clearly require to lose up to €100,000 CONFERENCE
additional teachers in the compared to longer-serving
relevant schools. General colleagues over the course of
Secretary John MacGabhann their career.
outlined this position in RTE’s In the Irish Times, TUI President Joanne Irwin highlighted how up to 17,000 teachers are on lower-
News At One and TV3 News pay scales than their colleagues for carrying out the same work. “Graduates who might formerly
interviews. have chosen teaching are now choosing other employment options,” she said. In an interview on
“On a practical level, other RTE News filmed at the protest, she said that recent entrants were being paid 14% less than
subject options will have to be colleagues. She also highlighted the addition expense borne by recent entrants due to the
provided at the time that extension of the Professional Master of Education (PME) to two years.
religion takes place. Quite In an interview with RTE’s Drivetime programme, Greenhills College teacher David Waters said
clearly, this will require the that Government needed to urgently ‘wake up to this crisis.’ He outlined how he earns €5,000 a
employment of additional year less than colleagues for doing exactly the same work. While he loves teaching, he said that pay
teachers in schools,” the Union inequality makes him feel ‘undervalued’ and that morale is ‘on the floor’ in many schools.
stated in the Irish Times.
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TUI NEWS
Update on BTEI conversion process
Under the DES/TUI Agreement, May 2016, a Change to conversion Adult Educators work both contact and
conversion process was established for non-contact/administration time. For every
BTEI staff, ‘according to the same principles Options one hour of contact time worked by an
as were applied in the recent agreement on Employees are now to be offered three Adult Educator they have a liability to
Youthreach conversion.’ options: provide an additional 45 minutes non-
contact/administration time.
Under the agreed conversion process, staff a) Convert to a teacher – with the normal
(other than those already employed as terms and conditions of employment of In the case of salaried Adult Educators the
teachers) who are employed in ETBs to a teacher (it is noted that as such a directions for calculating the working hours
deliver programmes under the BTEI, and teacher may be qualified or unqualified) (both contact and non-contact) will be set
who are currently employed under various b) Convert to An Adult Educator – a grade out in the worked examples which will be
terms and conditions of employment were to be established on a temporary basis included in the revised excel templates that
to be given the options of converting to pending the outcome of, and without will issue to ETBs to assist in completing
either: prejudice to, the relevant Chairman’s the analysis process.
note to the Lansdowne Road
1. A teacher – with the normal terms and Agreement. Employees in this grade When hourly paid (rather than salaried)
conditions of employment of a teacher work in Adult Education (BTEI) and Adult Educators carry out an hour of
(it is noted that as such a teacher may have terms and conditions of contact time they are also required to do
be qualified or unqualified) employment that are analogous to 45 minutes non-contact/administration time
or those employed as Youthreach and both sets of time should be claimed for
2. An Adult Educator – a grade to be Resource Persons, as at 30th June 2016, when claiming payment.
established on a temporary basis in terms of salary, pensionability,
pending the outcome of, and without working hours and annual leave. Because the total attendance liability is
prejudice to, the relevant Chairman’s c) Remain as-is – current working 1,582 hours (904 contact plus 678 non-
note to the Lansdowne Road arrangements, conditions, grading and contact/administration the hourly rate of
Agreement. Employees in this grade hourly rates of pay will remain pay will be calculated as the annual salary
work in Adult Education (BTEI) and unchanged. divided by 1,582.
have terms and conditions of It remains that these are the options for the
employment that are analogous to current cohort of staff and that future
those employed as Youthreach appointments to BTEI are to be made to
the grade of either Teacher or Adult Hourly rate for unqualified
Resource Persons, as at 30th June 2016,
in terms of salary, pensionability, Educator. This is without prejudice to the Teachers
working hours and annual leave. positions of the parties in the relevant An issue was also raised in regard to the
discussions under the Chairman’s Note of hourly rate to be paid for those employees
Last summer, ETBs commenced an analysis the Lansdowne Road Agreement. who convert to an un-qualified teacher. To
process to allow for an individual letter to clarify, a BTEI Tutor who converts to a
issue to each employee which would set Revised letter for Teacher (unqualified) will be paid the
out the personal consequences for her/him unqualified hourly rate for teachers as set
of the post being converted to a Teacher or
employees setting out the out in Department circulars.
to an Adult Educator. implications of conversion
Members will be provided with information It has also been agreed between the
During the course of this analysis process a on their salary and working time on Department, the TUI and ETBI that the
number of queries arose in regard to the conversion, and also a pension statement analysis process will be conducted on a
impact of conversion on employees’ for each option outlining the implications of phased basis. Phase one will consist of the
pension entitlements. It came to light that, conversion on pension entitlements, in analysis for those employees who are
in the absence of a third ‘as is’ option, the order for them to make an informed eligible to convert to a Teacher (qualified),
conversion process may have had a negative decision on the conversion options available and the issuing of information and pension
impact on some staff in terms of salary or to them. statements to these staff in the first
pension entitlements. instance setting out the implications for
The revised letter also includes for the third them in converting to a Teacher, an Adult
In light of the aforementioned issues, and option - the option of remaining as-is, Educator or to remain as-is. Once the
following discussions with ETBI and the TUI, should they wish to do so. process has completed for this group of
the agreement as issued on the 15th June staff, analysis will continue on a phased basis
2017 is being amended, as follows: The revised template letter also sets out for all remaining staff covered by this
that, for those employees who opt to conversion process. Notwithstanding the
become an Adult Educator, they will convert timing of conversion based on this phasing
on current pay. arrangement, it remains that conversion will
apply with effect from the 1st July 2016 as
per the agreement reached with the TUI in
May 2016.
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REPORT ON RESOLUTIONS OF
CONGRESS 2017 AND ACTIONS TAKEN
MOTIONS CARRIED The Union is seeking to address (provided for under Circular
UNDER RULE 22 this matter through the 42/2014 - ‘The completed roster
appropriate forum, the will be made available to all
Executive Committee Unions/ETBI Consultative Forum. teachers’), the Union, at local level
Congress acknowledges the commitment As is reported in this Annual initially, has routinely addressed
made by the Department of Education and Report, in 2017, the forum the matter.This also applies to
Skills (DES), that the usage of the full flex focussed on the Bullying staff timetables, in the context of
hours for duties other than teaching, would Prevention Policy, the Sexual Circular Letters 59/2016 and
be addressed as a priority. Congress is Harassment Prevention Policy and 49/2017.
gravely concerned about insufficient the Complaints Procedure. The
progress being made to date and calls on Grievance Procedure will be 11 Co. Cavan/Co. Carlow
the Minister and the Department of reviewed over the coming months. Congress instructs the Executive to
Education and Skills to adhere to and seek the re-instatement of Guidance
deliver on the commitments in the May 2 Executive Committee Counsellors as ex-quota to the
Agreement, 2016. Congress reiterates the Congress notes that existing Circular general allocation of teachers to
necessity to re-designate the second flex Letters require school management school immediately. This needs to be
hour in the 2017/2018 academic year. to produce and publish, in line with issued in a Circular Letter.
Failure to do so will leave TUI with no specified procedures a schedule of
option other than to reassess the situation posts of responsibility, a calendar for The TUI has consistently
and put in place measures to take usage of the CPA hours and a demanded restoration of ex-quota
appropriate and necessary action in the Supervision and Substitution roster. guidance counselling, including in
Institute of Technology sector. Management is routinely failing or successive pre-budget submissions.
This matter is reported on elsewhere in refusing to produce and/or publish The Union welcomed the further
the Annual Report.The union has this information. partial restoration provided for in
informed the DES, DPER, HEA and Congress demands that the Budget 2018 but highlighted the
THEA that unless re-designation of the information be made available in a fact that full restoration of what
second flex hour is effected by the transparent manner following had been lost since 2012 has not
commencement of the 2018/19 consultation as set out in the relevant yet been achieved and that no
academic year, there will be very Circular Letters. Congress instructs provision has been made for the
significant industrial relations the Executive Committee to engage increase since then in student
implications for the sector. with the Department of Education numbers.
and Skills and the national
management bodies to insist that 3 Co. Galway
FINAL AGENDA there is full and strict compliance Congress instructs the Executive to
with the provisions of the relevant demand that ETBI issues a handbook
A. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE - Circular Letters. outlining the conditions of service for
SECOND LEVEL each grade within the ETB area for all
Congress also demands, particularly employees engaged with delivering
9 Co. Longford/Co. Westmeath/ in the context of the application of education.
Dublin City/Executive Circular Letter 59/2016, that staff
Committee timetables be made available to staff Conditions of service are
Congress notes a deficiency in the in a timely and transparent manner. determined by the DES rather
Grievance Procedure Process as than the ETBI and are set out in
currently framed in that at Stage 3 In the discussions regarding school DES Circular Letters.Therefore, at
there are no prescriptive time frames management structures and posts the relevant fora, the Union has
that must be adhered to and it is of responsibility under the review requested that consolidated
completely at the discretion of the secured as part of the DES/TUI descriptions of current conditions
CE or her/his agents as to when or Agreement, May 2016, the TUI of service be developed and
whether to complete the particular prioritised the publication of the published. Such a consolidated
stage. There is no specific timeframe schedule of posts of responsibility. description has been published by
for Statement of Outcome, Letter of As a result of the TUI’s insistence, the DES in respect of teachers. It
Determination or, indeed, for the Circular Letter to be issued should be noted, of course, that in
proceeding to and completion of will state that ‘a list of the post the discussions under the
Stage 4, should that be necessary. holders, the level of their post and Chairman’s Note process of the
a summary of their roles and LRA, the TUI is seeking suitable
This gives licence to the employer to responsibilities must be posted on terms and conditions for members
act, or not to act, based on the staff notice board and must be who currently do not have such
expediency and represents a serious updated as necessary.’ terms and conditions.
problem for teachers seeking redress
in a timely fashion. Under the review of usage of CPA 6 Co. Laois
Congress instructs the Executive hours, the Union will require re- Congress instructs the Executive to
Committee to seek to review and iteration of the existing request an amendment to the terms
renegotiate the Grievance Procedure requirement for a calendar of the Ward Report to ensure that
at the earliest possible opportunity detailing usage of CPA hours. posts currently filled by teachers who
with a view to establishing mandatory have satisfactorily completed an initial
time lines for each stage of the In instances where local year are not required to be re-
procedure that are reasonable. management has not published a advertised.
supervision and substitution roster
12 March 2018 - TUI NEWSTUI NEWS
The Union has not been successful
in securing such an amendment to
the Circular Letters that give
effect to the recommendations of
the Ward report. However, in
Circular Letters 59/2016 and
49/2017, the Union secured
confirmation that, subject to
defined criteria, it is open to
schools to make ab initio (whole-
time or part-time) appointments
on a permanent basis, thereby
entirely obviating the need for
application of the requirements
that apply in the case of fixed-
term appointments.
26 Co. Donegal/Limerick City
Schools/Dublin Dún
Laoghaire(X2) (Amended by
Limerick City Schools) ANNUAL CONGRESS 2017
Congress instructs the Executive to
renegotiate immediately a
comprehensive transfer agreement on Education and Skills in relation would be subject to the normal
applicable to TUI staff in ETBs. to the challenges facing island industrial relations procedures.
schools.
The Union is seeking to advance 55 IT Carlow/Athlone IT
this matter through the Teachers’ Congress instructs the Executive to
Conciliation Council in respect of B. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE - negotiate the removal of all additional
teachers. In regard to other grades THIRD LEVEL working hours, and the reversal of all
represented by the Union, the deteriorations in terms and
matter is for discussion at the 28 Dublin Colleges (Amended by IT conditions of TUI members, which
appropriate IR fora. Tallaght) arose as a result of the austerity
Congress directs the Executive to budgets and the austerity national
15 Co. Galway/Co. Carlow ensure that the outcome of any agreements, in particular that the
Congress calls on the Executive to National negotiation forum on removal of flex teaching hours should
highlight to the media and relevant Technological Universities is put to a not result in re-designation.
authorities the specific challenges of national ballot of members at Third
the three GRETB schools on Oileáin Level. Congress further instructs the The removal of the additional
Árann, in addition to similar Executive to plan for and initiate hours imposed under the
challenges experienced by Donegal strike action if the aforementioned CPA/HRA has been sought by the
ETB’s two island schools. Among the national negotiation forum is not TUI and other unions. At the pay
issues are established without preconditions talks (May/June 2017) that
• Inadequate ex quota teacher within one month of the close of this resulted in the PSSA, Government,
allocation to afford similar Congress. on the basis of cost, maintained its
curriculum to mainland schools absolute opposition to removal of
that may be a little larger due to A National Negotiation Forum has those hours at this stage.The TUI,
more favourable catchment areas. been established, following in line with the position mandated
• No specific allocation of ONP acceptance of a proposal by by members in relation to the
funds (non-pay allocation for light, members in the Institutes of DES/TUI Agreement, May 2016,
heat, equipment) reflecting the Technology sector in a ballot in has demanded re-designation of
additional costs of existing on an May 2017.The matter is dealt with the second flex hour as a matter
island. elsewhere in this Annual Report. of urgency.
• Seeking re-instatement of the
€1,842 Island Allowance, which 60 Dublin Colleges/Dundalk IT/ 49 IT Carlow/IT Tallaght
was removed from island teachers IT Tallaght Congress notes that the original
in 2011-2012. Congress instructs the Executive that imposition of the so-called flex hours
• Accessibility issues, including the outcome of the under the Croke Park Agreement
necessities of air-service DES/HEA/THEA/TUI review of was in part justified in the LRC
appropriate to education provision. workloads at Third Level due for document by reference to the
completion in March 2017 be number of lecturing weeks involved
Such inadequate resourcing of Island referred to the membership for in semesterised academic calendars.
schools acts as a barrier to a truly ballot. The ballot being restricted to Congress reminds the Executive that
inclusive educational system. Third Level members only. semesterisation was forced through
Congress instructs the Executive to by IoT managements and resulted in
actively pursue negotiations with the The review of issues related to lecturing weeks being sacrificed to
Departments concerned to lecturing, including workload, has accommodate a second examination
overcome these issues. not been completed and is cycle, intensifying the academic year
ongoing.The issue is reported on for lecturing staff and for students
Over the course of the year, the elsewhere in this Annual Report. In alike and increasing the workload of
TUI liaised with Donegal ETB and relation to the review, the TUI has lecturing staff. Congress instructs the
Galway and Roscommon ETB in secured confirmation that, other Executive that it is entirely
relation to this issue.The TUI has than re-designation of the second unacceptable for any management
raised the issue in all relevant fora flex hour, any element of the representative to justify additional
and also forwarded a submission outcome of the review, were its workload impositions on lecturing
to the Joint Oireachtas Committee implementation to be sought, staff on the basis of management
www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 13TUI NEWS
decisions to semesterise in almost all The aim of the Union is to achieve
Institutes of Technology. Congress the best possible contractual
instructs the Executive to insist that conditions for members. In this
IoT managements accept full-time context, we routinely seek
lecturing over a semesterised improvements in existing
academic calendar as completely contractual arrangements.The
fulfilling contractual class contact establishment of the National
requirements for lecturing staff. Negotiation Forum allows the
Failing such acceptance, Congress Union both to protect those
instructs the Executive to ballot Third elements of contract that are
Level members on withdrawal of beneficial and to seek to improve
cooperation from semesterised those elements that are
academic calendars. unsatisfactory.
The Union has addressed matters 46 Dublin Colleges(X2)/Athlone IT
in relation to lecturing hours at (Amended by IT Tallaght)
local level as they have arisen. Congress instructs the Executive of
Where the matter has generic the TUI to call on the Department of
dimensions, it is brought to the IoT Education and Skills to provide
IR forum. It can be anticipated adequate and appropriate supports
that the review of issues related to for the teaching and assessment of
lecturing will inevitably have to large class groups, in particular by
consider the implications of applying appropriate weightings of 1.5
semesterisation. or more to any class with more than
32 registered students.
42 IT Tallaght The Union is seeking to have
Congress instructs the Executive to ANNUAL CONGRESS 2017 matters such as this, related to
campaign for the re-instatement of workload, comprehended by the
the 1.5 weighting night-time (post workload review. Where any other
6pm) for lectures carried out in the 59 IT Tallaght/Dublin opportunity presents to address
Institute of Technology sector- Colleges/Athlone IT the related issues – in the IoT IR
removed by the Lansdowne Road Congress instructs the Executive to forum or elsewhere – it is availed
Agreement- as the current system of conduct a media campaign to of.
1.25 weighting does not recognise 1- Emphasise that “teaching hours”,
the large amount of extra work and “contact hours” or “timetabled 43 IT Tralee (Amended by Cork
commitment required for the needs hours” are not equivalent to Colleges)
of lecturers and students at night- “working hours”, given that Congress instructs the Executive to
time. teachers and lecturers actually get an audit of the lack of adherence
work multiples of their timetabled on the part of IoT management to
The TUI included this issue in the hours every week. the nationally agreed grievance
joint submission made to the 2- Illustrate the ever widening gap procedure and to take appropriate
Public Service Pay Commission. between the falling numbers of action at national level to pressure
Restoration of the 1.5 weighting lecturers teaching and the IoT management into complying with
was also sought in the pay increasing number of students the grievance procedure, particularly
discussions in May/June 2017, but enrolling in IoTs. its timelines. The timelines are not
not achieved. It is a matter that being adhered to.
logically will fall to be addressed The Union at every opportunity
as part of the workload review. during the year highlighted the Where there has been a failure to
oppressive effect of excessive adhere to the nationally agreed
29 Cork Colleges (Amended by workload and the multiplier effect grievance procedure, the matter
Cork Colleges) of a lecturing hour. We drew has been dealt with locally in the
Congress instructs the Executive to attention to the fact that, both first instance. Continued failure by
escalate its campaign to prevent the domestically and internationally, an Institute has, in some instances,
Technological Universities Bill as lecturers in the IoT sector have an been taken to appropriate third
currently proposed from being inordinately large lecturing party structures. It should be
enacted. commitment and that this is at noted that, in general, the
odds with the demand in national grievance procedure is being
The TUI, through the agreement policy for an increased emphasis adhered to by Institutes.
accepted by members, secured a on research and for movement
commitment by Government to towards technological university 57 Dublin Colleges(X2)/IT Tallaght
introduce specific amendments to designation. (Amended by IT Tallaght)
the TU Bill in order to address key Congress instructs the Executive of
issues identified by the Union. A nationwide Third Level the TUI to begin negotiations with
Those amendments were duly lunchtime protest, drawing the Department of Education and
brought forward when the Bill was attention to the funding crisis in Skills for a reduction of 4 teaching
re-introduced at Committee stage. the IoTs, took place in September hours for all newly-appointed
The Union has made it clear that 2017. lecturing staff in the Institute of
its continued co-operation with Technology sector in their first two
technological universities is 30 Athlone IT years, to ameliorate the extreme
contingent upon those Congress instructs the Executive workloads for lecturers.
amendments appearing in the Act Committee to demand that existing
that eventually emerges from the contracts and conditions of service This is a matter that is proper to
legislative process. will not be re-negotiated under any the review of lecturing.
new proposed Technological
University structure.
14 March 2018 - TUI NEWSTUI NEWS
31 IT Tallaght the Union’s Organisation and of a teacher to have fair and due
In an increasingly globalised world Training Sub-committee. process in relation to any such
the importance of language skills of Implications, if any, that arise from complaint.The Union has asked
graduates cannot be underestimated. commencement of the General the Teaching Council to screen
Congress instructs the Executive to Data Protection Regulation (May complaints to ensure that
engage in a consultative process with 2018) are being considered in this malicious, vexatious or trite
The Department of Education and regard. complaints are not referred to the
Skills (DES) and/or other Investigating Committee of the
organisations as needed to demand 75 Co. Limerick (Amended by IT Council. In a hearing of the
that its modern languages strategy Tallaght) Oireachtas Committee on
includes an appropriate funding Congress instructs the Executive to Education and Skills, the Union
model in IoTs. negotiate a set of procedures with insisted that teachers must be
the relevant education partners, in protected against meretricious
The TUI, in calling for increased order to protect teaching and and/or malicious complaints.
funding for the sector and at the lecturing staff against unfounded
meetings held with the HEA, has and/or malicious allegations made by 71 Executive Committee
referred to the current deficits in a parent and/or a student. (Amended by Dublin C&C)
terms of the modern languages Congress instructs the Executive
strategy. Over the past year, the TUI has Committee to lobby for a tax credit
been reviewing the Code of for the purchase of I.C.T. equipment
Practice for dealing with that is used in a
C. CONDITIONS OF SERVICE – Complaints made by Parent/s, professional/vocational capacity.
GENERAL Guardian/s of a Student or by a
Student (who has reached the age The Department of
67 Waterford City of eighteen) currently enrolled in a Finance/Revenue Commissioner is
Congress instructs the Executive to school/centre, against a Staff engaged in a review of flat rate
develop a whistle-blower policy, Member employed by an expenses and the TUI, jointly with
which commits the TUI to defend Education and Training Board the other unions, has raised the
and support members who disclose (ETB).These discussions are matter addressed in the motion.
misconduct or impropriety, and are currently at an advanced stage.
victimised or mistreated, together The Union has also, jointly with 73 Co. Meath(X2)/Co. Galway
with guidelines and training for the other teacher unions at the Congress instructs the Executive to
Branch Officers and members with Teachers’ Conciliation Council, seek parity for TUI members in
respect to whistle-blowing. sought urgent action by the relation to the public sector Job
Minister under Section 28 of the Share scheme. In particular, Congress
A policy and guidelines that are Education Act to vindicate both demands:
fully compliant with the the right of a parent to have a - Job Share can be taken over two
requirements of the relevant complaint processed in an and a half continuous days if the
legislation are being developed by appropriate fashion and the right applicant so wishes.
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www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 15TUI NEWS
- that a Job Share application and a 72 Cork Colleges/Shannon and the DES and is dealing with
Career Break application for the Congress instructs the Executive to legacy staff in grades, outside of
duration of one year cannot be negotiate advance compassionate Youthreach, on a case-by-case
refused. leave for members who must attend basis.The Department of
to close relatives who are terminally Education and Skills was
The primary focus in the past year ill. conducting an audit of
has been to protect and preserve employment grades and conditions
existing provisions in relation to This is a public service-wide issue. of service in Further Education in
job-sharing and career break, both The TUI is making members aware the context of the ongoing Phase
of which have become the subject of the availability of force majeure II discussions.
of misplaced scrutiny because of leave and of compassionate in the
the evident crisis in the event of illness of a close relative 88 Co. Kerry/Co. Carlow/Co. Clare
recruitment and retention of (once attendance is certified by a Congress instructs the Executive to
teachers. medical practitioner). Separately, object to Circular Letter 62/2016
bereavement leave (from the date regarding the appointment of new
78 Co. Clare/Executive Committee of bereavement) continues to Adult Education Officers. The
(Amended by Executive apply as outlined in the TUI Diary downgrading to ‘Third Level
Committee) and DES circulars. qualification being desirable’ is a
Noting that increasing levels of retrograde step. The Executive will
bureaucratic and administrative work D. ADULT EDUCATION insist on a return to the requirement
• Deflect teachers and lecturers for a Third Level qualification, plus
from their core teaching function 89 Co. Longford/Co. post graduate qualification, plus five
• Demand significant, increasing and Clare/Tipperary SR/Co. Kerry years teaching experience through
excessive amounts of time Following conversion of BTEI posts, the Teachers’ Conciliation Council.
• Reduce the time available for Congress calls on the National
continuing professional Executive to actively, and without Vigorous representations were
development, professional delay, pursue comparator cases to made by the TUI with a view to
collaboration with colleagues, regularise national terms and maintenance of the qualification
academic research and reflection, conditions for all those currently requirements set out in DES
co-curricular and extra-curricular working outside standard contracts CL42/79 for the purposes of
activities, engagement with in the Further Education sector. appointment to the post of AEO.
students and community In spite of strong representations
• De-motivate teachers and On foot of commitments secured by the TUI, the DES has refused to
lecturers by the TUI in both the Haddington re-instate the requirement for
• Are associated with inappropriate Road Agreement and the teaching qualifications.
and spurious forms of Lansdowne Road Agreement (the
accountability Chairman’s Note), the Union has 91 Co. Wicklow/Co. Cavan/
• Impose unsustainable workload been engaged in talks with the Co. Galway
Congress instructs the Executive to Department of Education and Congress instructs the Executive to
request a reduction in the rate of Skills with a view to securing negotiate to increase the levels of
change in some ETBs. Increasing appropriate terms and conditions guidance staffing (as per 2012
pressure on staff to complete the for those currently employed Operational Guidance DES) to meet
endlessly increasing workload is under non-standard contracts in the demands of the F.E.T. Guidance
causing extra workload, stress and ill the Further Education sector. A Strategy and that the staffing
health. report on these WRC-facilitated moratorium in Adult Education
discussions forms part of this Guidance be reversed with all staff
Congress further instructs the Annual Report. positions reinstated.
Executive committee to proof every
initiative, project, pilot and revision 84 Dublin City The TUI continues to seek the
proposed by the DES or other Congress instructs the Executive to provision of sufficient and
agencies to insist that it will not lead demand that all fully qualified appropriate guidance staffing in
to the imposition of additional teachers are paid a qualified rate for the Further and Adult Education
bureaucratic workload and, the hours that they teach and that sector.
specifically to audit “Looking at our the term ‘tutor’ is discontinued.
Schools” and the procedures for 79 Executive Committee
inspections in order to insist that the See motion 89 Congress notes that the grades of
burden of administration duties is Community Education Facilitator,
eased, and to insist that the union’s 82 Co. Kerry Adult Literacy Organiser, Adult
industrial relations strategy is Congress deplores the use by certain Guidance Counsellor and Back to
informed by the imperative of ETBs of the Youthreach Resource Education Co-Ordinator are
reducing the bureaucratic and Worker contract to fill positions paid considered to be recruitment grades.
administrative demands on members. at less than half the teaching rate, As such, members appointed to these
outside of the Youthreach setting as grades are required to commence on
The TUI has acted in accordance was originally intended. Congress point one of the scale. This
with the principles set out in this instructs the Executive to oppose any represents a significant pay cut for
motion in respect of every such use of the contract outside of many experienced prospective
initiative, change or reform the Youthreach setting. candidates. Congress instructs the
suggested by the DES or any other Executive to address this issue either
agency. Needless to say, the Further to the TUI’s via an incremental credit scheme that
vigilance of members continues to representations on the issue, the recognises prior service as relevant
be required as does prompt Industrial Relations Forum for or by re-designation of the positions
reporting through the Union’s ETBs recorded agreement that the as promotional positions rather than
representative structures of any Resource Person Grade is solely recruitment grades.
additional workload. for deployment in Youthreach.The
TUI has addressed concerns The TUI has raised this issue at the
through representations to ETBs Industrial Relations Forum for
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