Survey highlights reservations of Institute of Technology lecturers in relation to move towards Technological Universities

By piofficer , Monday, 21st April 2014 | 0 comments

Findings of a new survey conducted by the Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) show that Institute of Technology lecturers remain far from convinced by the move towards Technological University status.

TUI represents 4,000 lecturers and researchers in Institutes of Technology
Headline findings show that:

  • 51% of lecturers polled believe that their institute should not merge and apply for technological university status
  • 49% of lecturers would rather that their Institute remained standalone
  • 40% disagreed that their institute should develop merger proposals with another Institute  (more details at end of statement)

Commenting on the findings, TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann said:
‘While the union is not opposed to the concept of Technological Universities, we are unimpressed by the rationale and the model currently on offer, a position backed up by the findings of this survey.

The union has a number of significant concerns over the Technological University process.
Not all institutes have engaged in adequate consultation with lecturers or provided the required information relating to plans to merge with other institutes. Where consultation and information is not fully provided for, TUI will utilise all options open to it to protect the interests of our members.

TUI is unequivocal in insisting that existing agreements on terms and conditions of employment be continued in any case where a transfer to a new institution takes place. In addition, TUI does not accept that staff could be arbitrarily transferred to other public sector bodies on ‘establishment day’ of a merged entity or Technological University. Any such attempt will be opposed, by means of industrial action if necessary.

We are also concerned by a possible tension between the Head of Bill for Technological Universities and the Haddington Road Agreement, which TUI members voted to accept. The protections of this agreement must prevail for its full duration.

Institutes of Technology have a proven track record of excellence in programme content as well as a significant commitment to regional equality and equity of access and provide multi-level programmes from National Framework of Qualifications Level 6 (Apprenticeship) to Level 10 (Doctorates/PhDs). The mission of the sector is distinct, with a strong focus on meeting the local and regional needs of industry, enterprise and communities. The move towards Technological University could lead to a dramatic reduction in regional provision of programmes and a corresponding inequity in respect of access to higher education.

We are willing to work towards a more inclusive conceptualisation of Technological Universities. However, TUI expects that there will be full consultation and assurance on the maintenance of existing conditions of service. Collective agreements must be fully respected. In any instance where the established industrial relations procedures and mechanisms are not followed, the union will respond appropriately.’  (End of statement)

 
Teachers’ Union of Ireland Snap Survey on Institutes of Technology/Technological University Process
TUI undertook a snap survey of the opinions of members in the IoT sector relating to the technological university process. The survey explored members’ opinions on whether their institute should: (1) remain stand-alone, (2) merge with another institute or (3) apply for technological university status. The online survey ran for 7 days (14th - 21st March 2014) and was distributed to members’ emails.
The sample population was n=3,500 members in the IoT sector. The response rate was 31.6% (n=1,107). Responses were received from all 14 institutes of technology. The respondents comprised 15% senior academics (management grades), 71% lecturers (career grade), 12% assistant lecturers (recruitment grade) and 2% other grades.  The results in respect of the three main topics are presented below:

‘The institute I work in should remain stand-alone.’
Questioned on whether their institute should remain a stand-alone IoT, 48.7% indicated agreement, compared to 32.8% who indicated disagreement; 20.3% indicated neutral.

‘The institute I work in should enter into discussion with another/other IoT(s) with a view to developing a proposal for a possible merger.’
Questioned on whether their institute should develop merger proposals with another IoT(s) 39.8% indicated disagreement, compared to 39.45% who indicated agreement; 19.8% indicated neutral.

‘The institute I work in should legally merge with another IoT and apply for Technological University status.’
Questioned on whether their institute should merge and apply for technological university status, 50.7% indicated disagreement, compared to 29.2% who indicated agreement; 19.8% indicated neutral.
 

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