Over recent months, IFUT has been actively engaging with members in the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies at University of Galway regarding proposals for Undergraduate Curriculum Transformation.
The process began against the backdrop of a public narrative which suggested an urgent crisis in Arts education and the need for significant structural change. From the outset, IFUT challenged that framing and argued that any discussion about the future of Arts should be grounded in meaningful consultation with staff, robust evidence and a clear recognition of the enduring value of Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies.
Following a series of meetings with members, the establishment of a representative working group and subsequent engagement with University management, IFUT has now secured a Memorandum of Understanding governing how the process will proceed.
While much work remains to be done, the agreement establishes important protections for staff and creates a formal framework through which concerns can be raised and addressed.
Formal Union Engagement Recognised
One of the central concerns raised by members was the distinction between collegial consultation and engagement with recognised trade unions under the Public Service Agreements.
Universities rightly value collegial governance and academic discussion. However, where proposals have implications for staff, workload, organisational structures and working conditions, recognised trade unions have a distinct role to play.
The Memorandum formally recognises that distinction and establishes a dedicated engagement forum through which IFUT will continue to represent members throughout the process.
Protection of Terms and Conditions
A key provision of the agreement is the explicit recognition that the Undergraduate Curriculum process will operate within existing industrial relations frameworks and Public Service Agreements.
Importantly, the agreement confirms that nothing arising from the process shall diminish existing terms and conditions of employment.
For staff concerned about the implications of the proposed changes, this represents an important safeguard.
No Final Proposal Without Engagement
The agreement also establishes a clear mechanism for dealing with disagreement.
The parties have agreed to seek agreement on any final proposal arising from the process, or on any points of divergence from that proposal. Where agreement cannot be reached, matters may be referred through the State's industrial relations machinery, including the Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court.
This ensures that staff concerns cannot simply be bypassed and that recognised industrial relations procedures remain available where necessary.
A Positive Statement on the Future of Arts
Perhaps most importantly, the agreement begins from a positive statement about the future of Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies.
The University and the recognised trade unions have jointly reaffirmed their commitment to a vibrant, sustainable and academically ambitious future for these disciplines. The agreement recognises their central importance to the intellectual, cultural, civic and educational life of the University and wider society and acknowledges that they remain fundamental to the University's mission and identity.
This is an important recognition of the contribution made by academic and professional staff across the College and reflects concerns repeatedly raised by members regarding the way Arts had been characterised in some public commentary surrounding the review.
Members' Voices Shaped the Outcome
Throughout this process, IFUT members consistently highlighted concerns regarding workload, timelines, staff wellbeing and the practical challenges of conducting a major restructuring exercise over the summer months.
As a result of those representations, there will now be a pause in Community of Practice activity between 20 July and 27 August.
This reflects the principle that meaningful consultation requires both adequate time and realistic expectations regarding staff workload.
Collective Organisation Matters
The progress secured to date did not happen by accident.
It was achieved because members attended meetings, shared information, articulated concerns and worked collectively through their union. The result is a process that is more transparent, more accountable and better equipped to address the legitimate concerns of staff.
The Undergraduate Curriculum process is far from complete, and significant issues remain to be discussed. However, IFUT members can take confidence from the fact that they now have a formal engagement framework, important protections for staff, access to relevant information and a clear route for resolving disputes should agreement not be possible.
IFUT will continue to engage robustly and constructively on behalf of members as discussions progress.
Photo Credit Professor Chaosheng Zhang