Lecturers at Galway Mayo Institute of Technology (GMIT) begin industrial action today as they resist efforts to merge with two other ITs in the north-west.
TUI, the trade union, has directed its members “not to cooperate” with any merger activities relating to the proposal for a ‘Connacht-Ulster Alliance’ – where GMIT, Letterkenny IT, and Sligo IT combine forces to form a new technological university.
GMIT President Fergal Barry has been informed of the industrial action.
The action of ‘non-cooperation’ and non-engagement with the merger process begins today.
It follows on from the passing of a ballot by the TUI which said: “In view of the failure of government to address the deep concerns of members of the TUI in relation to mergers of institutes of technology and the serious implications of such mergers, and in order to secure a negotiated, national resolution of these issues, do you agree to engage in a campaign of industrial action, up to and including strike action, as directed by the Executive Committee.”
Members have been directed to not cooperate with arranging or participating in merger-related meetings; developing new programmes or research work relating to a merger; or promotional activities or enrolments relating to the merger.
They have also been asked not to engage in any administrative tasks relating to a merger; or aligning academic policies and procedures including marks and standards, with a view to the merger. In a letter to members, John MacGabhann, TUI General Secretary, reminded members that the union, “is engaged in an ongoing campaign to have the Technical Universities Bill 2015 significantly amended”.
On January 18, GMIT management gave a slide show presentation to staff called ‘Towards a Technological University’, which outlined the timeline and process for the merger. It included consultation with staff, and it envisaged that a strategic plan will be launched in September.
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