Institute of Technology lecturers protest over funding crisis

By piofficer, Tuesday, 26th September 2017 | 0 comments

As you are aware Congress 2017 passed an emergency motion against the underfunding of the institute of technology sector. As part of the union’s campaign against the underfunding of the sector a series of lunchtime protests are arranged for Wednesday the 27th September outside of all institutes of technology at lunchtime for 30 minutes. TUI institute of technology branches are requested to organise small protests outside each campus during the lunchtime break period. Please note these are public protests and not industrial action. The small group of protesters should not block any entrance or exit and not impede other staff or students from carrying out normal work and studies. Only TUI members who are on are a break period may participate. The purpose of the protests to is highlight the underfunding crisis in the institute of technology sector. In addition, protests will be arranged for outside the Higher Education Authority building at 14:00 and outside the Dáil (Kildare Street entrance) at 15:30.

As stated in the Congress Emergency Motion (see below) this is the first part of the campaign regarding underfunding of the sector.

 

Congress 2017 EMERGENCY MOTION NO. 8

Congress condemns the underfunding of the IoT sector.  This underfunding was highlighted in both the Cassell’s Report and subsequent Financial Review of the IoT sector in 2016 yet no changes to the current funding model are envisaged for the next academic year.   Many IoTs are facing job-cuts, cuts to services and courses and limited investment in essential resources.    Congress instructs the Executive to demand and campaign for urgent investment in the sector, in particular in order to ensure regional provision of courses continues.   Congress further instructs the Executive to exercise the existing mandate for industrial action, up to and including strike action, should the funding model of the sector remain unfit for purpose.

 

This is part of the union’s ongoing campaign which will consist of other actions as advised by the Executive Committee. The campaign may require escalation, and if needed a ballot for industrial action will be organised. The union is seeking meaningful discussions with the government on the funding crisis. Members will be updated on progress as events occur.

;