The Teachers’ Union of Ireland (TUI) has again voiced its concern at what it labels a lack of consultation with its members in relation to Institute mergers.
The union also remains unconvinced by the requirement to merge before an Institute can apply for Technological University status and is calling for an urgent meeting with the Minister for Education and Skills in relation to these matters.
A survey carried out among TUI members earlier this year found that 51% of lecturers polled believe that their Institute should not merge and apply for Technological University status.
TUI represents 4,000 lecturers and researchers in Institutes of Technology.
Speaking today, TUI General Secretary John MacGabhann said:
“Following a meeting of TUI representatives from both Waterford Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Carlow, the union has formally lodged a grievance with the Labour Relations Commission relating to a lack of consultation with members from both Institutes. Union representatives from both Institutes support the realisation of a Technological University for the region. However, they will insist on retention of the current robust academic criteria and will also insist that merger activities should be suspended and adequate time and space should be provided to allow for appropriate academic engagement and analysis.
On a national level, while TUI is not opposed to the concept of Technological Universities, we are unimpressed by the rationale and the model currently on offer, a position which is backed up by the findings of a recent survey of our members. We are also concerned that not all Institutes have engaged in adequate consultation with lecturers. Where consultation and information is not fully provided for, TUI will utilise all options open to it to protect the interests of our members.
We remain deeply sceptical about the requirement that Institutes of Technology must merge before they can apply for Technological University status. We believe that this requirement to merge is more related to rationalisation of the Institutes within the sector than to academic considerations based on Institute missions, values and ethos. TUI has sought to have the merger requirement eliminated from the Heads of Bill Technological University.
In addition, a survey of TUI members across the Institutes of Technology sector held last March (2014) found 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 with the proposition that their Institute should develop merger proposals with another Institute (more details at end of statement)
The union has notified the Department and Higher Education Authority of the findings from this survey. Furthermore, the union has engaged with the individual Institutes. However, to date we are very concerned about the lack of meaningful consultation.
It is foolhardy to attempt to proceed with merger applications processes while academic staff are not supportive or consulted. If matters continue as they are the union will be left with no choice but to ballot members for industrial action on this issue.
Institutes of Technology have a proven track record of excellence in programme development and content as well as a significant commitment to regional equality and equity of access. They 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, if driven by a cost-cutting agenda and if it is not informed by the expertise and experience of the academic staff, lead to a dramatic reduction in regional provision of programmes and a corresponding inequity in respect of access to higher education.
We are calling for an urgent meeting with the Minister and her Department to discuss the concerns of our members.’
Notes to editor:
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.