Researchers’ work stoppage at Tyndall Institute

Tues. Feb. 18th, 2014

The Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT), in line with previous industrial action at UCC, is holding a one-day official work stoppage on Wednesday, Feb. 19th, in pursuit of a resolution of gross pay inequities at Tyndall Institute UCC.

Commenting on the ongoing dispute, Mike Jennings, General Secretary of IFUT, said that “researchers are being severely undermined by an ongoing refusal of the Department of Education to resolve glaring anomalies that result in staff in the Institute earning up to one-third less than they would if employed in other UCC departments.”

Key issues facing staff at Tyndall include research staff in senior supervising roles being paid lower wages than junior doctorate temporary contract staff 

Mike Jennings said that while the Labour Court has acknowledged the researchers’ case as valid, it was precluded for procedural reasons from ruling on the matter under the Croke Park and Haddington Road Agreements.

IFUT have also served strike notice for Wednesday 26th February when pickets will be placed at all entrances to Tyndall and also UCC main campus.

In addition IFUT will participate in a work-to-rule on a number of issues, including withdrawal from ISO Auditing or Quality Working Group Meetings.

“We regret the need to take this action, however in the absence of any meaningful engagement and progress on the resolution of the pay inequity, we are left with no other option,” Mike Jennings said.

ENDS

For further information on this media release contact:

John Gallagher, John Gallagher Consulting.  Tel. 087.9369888

Mike Jennings, General Secretary, IFUT.  Tel. 087.6776747.