News VOL.38 / NO.1 SEPTEMBER 2015 - Teachers' Union of Ireland
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VOL.38 / NO.1
SEPTEMBER 2015
news
TEACHERS’ UNION OF IRELAND / AONTAS MÚINTEOIRÍ ÉIREANN
TUI NEWS
A Word from
CONTENTS
The President
p.2 A Word From the President
p.4 Junior Cycle ballot –
Vote ‘Yes’ Junior Cycle
p.8 Third level study calls for Campaign
sustained investment Success
p.9 Institute News
From imposition to
p.12 A message for new teachers
negotiation
p.16 Have you claimed back your
tax credits?
Vote
p.24 ‘DEIS must continue but
additional supports also “Yes”
required’
TUI PRESIDENT, GERRY QUINN
in both ballots
p.30 Global Schoolroom
p.32 Membership & DAS forms The determination and discipline of Implementation because doing so will
teachers behind a cohesive campaign resolve our key concerns and will
p.34 RMA News strategy has prevented serious harm to establish a highly significant precedent on
p.36 Crossword education standards, an unprecedented how education reform should be
workload imposition, a major delivered. Agreed change is good and
intensification of bureaucracy in teaching teachers have been to the fore in arguing
and damage to the professional against teaching and learning practices
relationship between student and teacher remaining static.
A special edition of at second level. Having successfully
resisted a managerialist diktat we now The proposed settlement meets a central
TUI News will issue have a commitment from the demand of teachers - restoration of the
Department of Education and Skills externally assessed Junior Certificate. We
ahead of a ballot on the (DES) to work in partnership with also set out to protect teachers’ time.
new pay agreement teachers in order to deliver agreed Voting “Yes” will secure a significant
reform. Therefore, we should vote to reduction in class contact time in order
proposals later in accept Junior Cycle Reform- Joint Statement to create Professional Time which, for
on Principles and Implementation and its example, would facilitate – within
September. appendix Professional Time To Support timetable - implementation of teacher
EDITORIAL PRODUCTION
Annette Dolan David Duffy TUI News is published by the
Deputy General Secretary Education & Research Officer Teachers’ Union of Ireland.
adolan@tui.ie dduffy@tui.ie Aontas Múinteoirí Éireann,
73 Orwell Road, Rathgar, Dublin 6.
Declan Glynn
Gerry Quinn Assistant General Secretary Nadia Johnston
President dglynn@tui.ie Administrative Officer T: 01-492 2588 F: 01-492 2953
president@tui.ie njohnston@tui.ie E: tui@tui.ie W: www.tui.ie
Aidan Kenny
Joanne Irwin Assistant General Secretary
Printed by:
Vice-President akenny@tui.ie Conor Griffin
Press & Information Officer Typecraft Ltd.
vicepresident@tuimail.ie
Michael Gillespie cgriffin@tui.ie
Assistant General Secretary
John MacGabhann mgillespie@tui.ie
General Secretary Muireann O’ Toole
jmacgabhann@tui.ie Colm Kelly Workplace Organiser
Assistant General Secretary motoole@tui.ie
ckelly@tui.ie
2 September 2015 - TUI NEWS
TUI NEWS
collaboration and individual teacher and problems as well as advances. So, for commitment to provide curriculum and
planning and reporting. From 2017/18, example, while the Travers’ proposals in assessment materials for the proposals
each full-time teacher who February 2015 included a restored Junior more generally. For teachers of Art,
teaches in the Junior Cycle Certificate, they also included a Music, Home Economics and Technology
would have a class- contact time bureaucratic model of external subjects, while there will be a formative
reduction of 40 minutes per moderation for projects etc. marked by a assessment for the third year project or
week - the equivalent of a student’s own teacher. This was called the performance, the current arrangement
week’s teaching per annum for a Assessment Support Service. No such whereby the artefact or performance is
full-time contract. There is a pro- external regulation now exists for the marked by the SEC will remain. For
rata provision for teachers on less than proposed Classroom-Based Assessment. subjects which do not currently have a
full hours. There are also transitionary Nor is there now any reference to the second-component of assessment, such
arrangements for teachers of English, proposal that further consideration and as a project or practical (but will do
Science and Business. Details of these and discussion be given to the feasibility of going forward), a relatively short
other concessions secured are contained aggregating work marked by a student’s Assessment Task will be written by the
in this edition of TUI News. own teacher with the student’s State student for the third year project or
certified examination. There is, in other practical. This will be forwarded to the
Workload has also been addressed in words, deep blue water between the SEC for external assessment and
that Classroom-Based Assessments will State-certified Junior Certificate and any inclusion in the overall grade for that
substitute other assessments currently work marked by a student’s own teacher. subject. This is an important concession
undertaken in the school such as in- Teachers have always marked their own which strengthens the Junior Certificate.
house examinations, etc. as appropriate. students’ work for school reports and
many of us are very familiar with marking Going forward
A Framework for Junior Cycle for a Transition Year award, a programme The TUI Executive Committee has
(2012) is redundant and huge which also involves the teacher devising a recommended acceptance of these
progress has been made subject syllabus/specification in similar proposals. A highly significant element of
The initial threats to the teaching fashion to what is envisaged with the the document which we are voting on is
profession and public education were optional short courses. the inclusion of an implementation
contained in the non-negotiated A committee, comprised of representatives
Framework for Junior Cycle (2012). It was a Strong educational and of the signatories to the agreement,
blueprint for the complete dismantling of professional stance taken which will monitor its implementation.
the externally assessed Junior Certificate The document which you are being asked This important mechanism will facilitate
examination and the devolution of to accept contains very significant the unions’ ability to ensure that the DES
examination responsibility and work from educational input from a teacher’s delivers on its commitments and that any
the State Examinations Commission perspective. We approached the anomalies or potential ambiguities are
(SEC) to individual schools. In addition to negotiations with the twin addressed to our satisfaction. We will
the agenda of cutting costs, such an complementary aims of improving lower monitor very closely the
approach was arguably also part of a secondary education and protecting commitment from the DES that
wider plan to devolve responsibility to teachers from exploitation. So, for teacher workload cannot be
schools in order to intensify competition example, the previous approach of increased by these reforms.
between them and to weaken the downgrading the work of teachers is
unionised teaching profession. However, replaced with an acknowledgement of Finally colleagues, the best defence
our arguments and actions have the best practice that exists and how it against any possible future attack on
prevailed; external assessment and the can be built upon. We accepted that externally assessed examinations for
Junior Certificate are part of the formative assessment - which involves state certification or our conditions of
negotiated document i.e. Junior Cycle effective feedback for improvement - is service more generally, whether it be
Reform - The Joint Statement on Principles necessary and we pointed out that this is gradualist or a full frontal assault, is for
and Implementation and its appendix.You already a strong feature of teaching TUI and ASTI to work together. I wrote
are not voting on any other document, practice. This fact is recognised in the the following in TUI News in September
including the revised Framework which, negotiated document. 2012 regarding the need to build a
in any event, has been amended to ensure campaign of resistance against the
that it is compatible with our negotiated In the negotiations we pressed hard on previous Minister’s Junior Cycle plans:
document. educational and professional concerns. “Common sense dictates that this
With your resolve to take various types strategy must be built on a strong alliance
Teachers have made huge progress in this of industrial action, we secured a wider of second level teachers across both
campaign which has lasted for over a year range of assessment options for English unions”. This was central to our success
and involved strikes, directives, extensive rather than simply the compulsory and and will be required to both secure and
engagement with the media and intensive highly problematic oral communication. build on it.
negotiations. The protracted nature of Other commitments from the
the campaign arose because the progress Department include listening to the
made was incremental and involved the views of teachers of English and their
ongoing emergence of new challenges representatives. There is also a
In addition to completing and returning your ballot paper,
please complete the petition to the Minister on the back cover of this magazine.
www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 3
TUI NEWS
VOTE
JUNIOR CYCLE CA
“YES” TUI RECOMMENDS ACCE
Why are you being balloted? What the TUI Executive
You, as a TUI member with an involvement Committee is recommending What have the TUI and AST
in Junior Cycle, are being balloted on the Ballot No.1: The union’s Executive
acceptability or otherwise of the negotiated Committee recommends that you
the unilateral imposition
document Junior Cycle Reform – Joint
Statement on Principles and Implementation VOTE “YES”
(including the appendix Professional Time to to accept the negotiated document. State Certification
Support Implementation). State Certification was abolished by
Ministerial decision in October 2012.
You are also being asked if you agree to Ballot No.2: The union’s Executive Now: State Certification has now been restored
continue industrial action up to and Committee also recommends that you and the results of State Examinations for Junior
including strike action as directed by the
VOTE “YES” Cycle will be provided to students in the normal
Executive Committee in the event of the
way each September. (In a separate and
negotiated document not being accepted by to agree to continue industrial action up to
distinct exercise, a composite Junior Cycle
members. and including strike action, in the event of
Profile of Achievement on each student’s
The full document has issued to all the negotiated document not being
progress over the three years of Junior Cycle
members in hard copy and can also be accepted.
will be provided to parents and students before
downloaded from the TUI website. the Christmas following completion of the
The questions you will be asked on the Junior Cycle).
ballot papers are as follows: Why is the Executive
Committee recommending External Assessment
Ballot No. 1: a “YES” vote? In 2011 the original NCCA Towards A
Do you accept the negotiated document Framework for Junior Cycle document
entitled ‘Junior Cycle Reform – Joint Statement The union believes that these proposals proposed that teachers would award 40%
on Principles and meet and allay the deep concerns of each subject’s marks for State
Implementation’ AONTAS MÚI
NTEOIRÍ ÉIRE
ANN expressed by teachers in terms both of Certification.
n of Ireland
Teachers’ Unio
(including the assessment of students and the resources -
BALLOT PAPER
1 In October 2012, Minister Quinn proposed
appendix
JUNIOR CYCL
E
most importantly, time - required by
Do you accep
t the negotiated
Statement on
document entitle
Principles and
d ‘Junior Cycle
Implementation’
Support
that all assessment (written, practical and
‘Professional Time to
Reform – Joint
(including the
appendix ‘Profe
ssional Time to
as a basis for
commencing
implementation
of the
schools and teachers to implement the
Implementation’)
revised Junio
r Cycle?
oral) would be carried out in school by
Support Place “X” in the
appropriate box proposed new Junior Cycle programme.
YES
teachers.
Implementation’) as NO Now the terminal, summative state
a basis for 1. Vote by placing
DIRECTIONS
“X” in the appropr
iate box.
TO VOTERS
marked Páipéar
Vótála/Voting Paper. examinations for Junior Cycle will continue to
in the envelope the flap.
ed ballot paper , seal and sign across
commencing 2. Place the complet
this envelope in the second, larger
white envelope
H should be clearly
written in full in
the
be externally set, conducted and assessed by
When will the ballot take
3. Place OF THE BRANC SO WILL MEAN YOUR VOTE with
and the NAME DO check
4. YOUR NAME the envelope. FAILURE TO your branch, please the
space provided
on of the name of s is on
you are unsure list of Branche
COUNTED. If head office. A
WILL NOT BE orkplace represen
tative or
implementation of the your school/college/w
back of this
5. The complet
ballot paper for referenc
ed ballot envelope
e.
to be placed in
t Terrace, Dublin
the brown
2, to reach that
pre-paid
address no later
envelope addresse
than 5.00 p.m.
d to
on
the State Examinations Commission (SEC). An
revised Junior Cycle?
Deloitte, Earlsfor
Wednesday, 23rd
6. Failure to comply
September 2015
with these instruct
ions will render
your vote void.
place?
Assessment Task to be undertaken by students
Ballot papers will be posted from TUI Head in the classroom, within class time, in third year
Office to all workplaces offering Junior will also be externally assessed by the SEC.The
Ballot No. 2: Cycle on Wednesday, 9th September 2015. marks of the terminal examination and the
In the event that the negotiated document Assessment Task will be combined by the SEC
Completed ballot papers must be returned,
entitled ‘Junior Cycle Reform – Joint Statement to produce the student’s grade for the purpose
in the envelopes provided, to the union’s
on Principles and Implementation’ (including of the State Certificate.There is no school-
auditors, Deloitte, by 5.00pm on Wednesday,
the appendix ‘Professional based or classroom-based assessment for
NTEOIRÍ ÉIRE
ANN 23rd September 2015. (To ensure that
Time to Support AONTAS MÚI
Teachers’ Unio
n of Ireland
certification purposes.The previously mooted
completed ballots reach Deloitte by the
Implementation’) is BALLOT PAPER
2
60% /40% division between external and
JUNIOR CYCL
document entitle
E
d ‘Junior Cycle closing date, they should be posted by
not accepted by In the event that
Reform – Joint
the negotiated
Statement on
Principles and
Implementation’
ssional Time to
Support
classroom-based assessment for certification
(including the
appendix ‘Profe
Implementation’)
is not accepted
by members,
and
do you agree
including strike
to
action, as Monday, 21st September 2015 at the latest.)
members, do you continue indus
directed by the
trial action up
TUI Executive
to
Committee?
purposes is now gone. Therefore, there will be
appropriate box
Place “X” in the
agree to continue YES no link between classroom-based assessment
industrial action up NO
and State Certification.The Travers’ proposal for
to and including strike 1. Vote by placing
DIRECTIONS
“X” in the appropr
iate box.
in the envelope
TO VOTERS
marked Páipéar
Vótála/Voting Paper.
the flap. external moderation has been completely
ed ballot paper , seal and sign across
2. Place the complet
action, as directed by 3. Place this envelope
and
in the second, larger
the NAME
4. YOUR NAME the envelope. FAILURE TO
space provided
on
COUNT ED. If
white envelope
you are unsure
H should be clearly
OF THE BRANC SO WILL MEAN YOUR VOTE with
DO
of the name of
tative or head office.
written in full in
A list of Branche
check
your branch, please the
s is on
the
withdrawn.
WILL NOT BE orkplace represen
the TUI Executive your school/college/w
back of this ballot
5. The complet
paper for referenc
ed ballot envelope
Deloitte, Earlsfor
e.
to be placed in
t Terrace, Dublin
September 2015
the brown pre-paid
2, to reach that
address no later
envelope addresse
than 5.00 p.m.
your vote void.
d
on
to
Wednesday, 23rd ions will render
with these instruct
Committee? 6. Failure to comply
The full text of the negotiated document has issued to all members in hard copy. It is
important that members take time to read these proposals.
4 September 2015 - TUI NEWS
TUI NEWS
AMPAIGN SUCCESS
EPTANCE OF PROPOSALS
TI achieved for teachers as a result of industrial action and negotiations since
n by Minister Quinn of a revised Junior Cycle framework in October 2012?
Terminal Examinations ■ provides that, in addition to the 22 hours and third year students will attend four
In 2012 The Junior Certificate terminal, (or its pro-rata equivalent) of professional review meetings, amounting to eight hours
summative Examinations were abolished by time, a further two hours will be provided in of (the 22 hours of) professional time.
Ministerial decision. respect of each Subject Learning and ■ states that, in addition to facilitating
Assessment Review meeting to facilitate the professional collaboration, teachers may
Now externally set and marked examinations, preparation for and co-ordination of that also use professional time (within the 22
of no longer than two hours, will complement meeting. One teacher of each Junior Cycle hours or its pro-rata equivalent) for
classroom-based assessment of students’ subject will be allocated these two individual planning, feedback or reporting
achievements.The external examinations will be additional hours by school management.To activities relating to Junior Cycle.
set, held and marked by the SEC.The foster capacity building in each subject ■ recognises that, in advance of the general
examinations will be held in the month of June department, this activity and the associated introduction of 22 timetabled professional
in third year. two hours will normally be rotated among hours in 2017/18 and the attendant
the relevant teachers. reduction in maximum class contact time to
■ provides that, in addition to the 22 hours 21 hours, 20 minutes per week,
Teachers’ Time/Workload
professional time and the 2 hours for professional time must be made available
Under the NCCA’s original Towards a
facilitating preparation and co-ordination of to teachers of English, Science and Business
Framework for Junior Cycle proposals
each Review meeting, the whole-school and therefore
(2011), and also in the proposals advanced
by Minister Quinn in 2012, extra demands administration of the Assessment Task (AT) - ■ provides teachers of English with
would have been imposed on teachers’ time e.g. its transmission to the SEC - will be professional time in 2015/16 (10 hours)
and their workload would have increased. resourced through the allocation of and 2016/17 (14 hours) and Science and
There was no provision for additional additional hours and necessary resources to Business teachers with professional time (8
resources (especially time) or enhanced the school’s management.Therefore, the hours) in 2016/17.This professional time
teacher allocation. whole-school administration of the AT may will be generated and funded by the
The Appendix: not and will not be added to the workload allocation of additional paid substitution
of the classroom teacher or to the duties of hours to schools in the 2015/16 and
■ proposes class periods of a minimum of a post of responsibility holder (e.g. 2016/17 school years in order to phase in
40-minutes duration for all schools from examinations secretary) the timetable changes for English, Science
the commencement of the 2017/18 school
■ identifies the categories of additional and Business teachers. It should be noted
year.
professional time that will be required for that there is no connection between these
■ states that, with effect from the school year implementation of the Framework for additional paid substitution hours and the
2017/18, the class contact time for all full- Junior Cycle Supervision and Substitution (S&S) scheme
time teachers with any Junior Cycle classes
and that the S&S scheme may not be used
will be reduced from 33 (40 minute)
■ identifies some key elements of usage of to generate professional hours.
periods to 32 (40 minute) periods – i.e. a
the 22 hours professional time (or its pro- ■ stipulates that, in accordance with Circular
maximum class contact time each week of
rata equivalent) and , in this regard, Letter 20/2014, a further 6 hours (over
21 hours and 20 minutes rather than 22
specifies the quantum of time that will be and above the 22 professional hours and
hours. (This reduction in class contact time
required for the Subject Learning and the 2 hours for facilitating review meetings)
will generate 22 hours of professional time
Assessment Review meetings that will be is provided to facilitate whole-school
for each full time teacher each year – i.e.
attended by subject teachers (see above). professional activities to support the Junior
one 40 minute timetabled period per week
These meetings are to support the Cycle during the phased period to June
of a 33 week school year.)
structured Classroom-Based Assessments 2022. School management will facilitate
■ provides for a pro-rata reduction in class this time provision through school closure. It
(CBA) that students will undertake (one per
contact time for part-time teachers from
subject in second year and one per subject is important to note that while the 6 hours
2017/18 which generates pro-rata
in third year). Each meeting will take provided under CL 20/2014 will be
professional time for those teachers – see
approximately two hours. For example, a available only during the phasing-in period
Pro-rata application of Professional Time on
teacher of two subjects to both second year (i.e.to June 2022), the 22 hours of
next page*.
www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 5
TUI NEWS
professional time and the 21 hours 20 Short courses Concerns over additional
minutes maximum for class contact will be A concern of teachers arising from earlier bureaucratic workload
a continuing, integral element of a teacher’s proposals was that the introduction of because of reporting
timetable.The two hours for facilitation of Short Courses in a subject could in some requirements
review meetings will also continue to apply cases displace the full subject. The unions were concerned that the
after 2022. original 2011 proposals and/or Minister
Quinn’s proposals would lead to increased
Now, it is confirmed that short courses will not bureaucratic workload, particularly in terms
undermine, displace or replace existing subjects. of reporting requirements.
*Pro-rata application of If necessary, the DES will issue a circular Now: In order to guard against increased and
Professional Time: directing schools on this matter and advising excessive bureaucratic reporting workload, the
A minimum of 11 hours professional time will them to limit the number of (short) courses NCCA will be requested to develop standard
be made available to all part-time teachers on that they offer. reporting templates, appropriate to the second
hours of up to 11 hours’ teaching time. level curriculum context, for use in first and
second year. It is envisaged that these
templates will be user-friendly, that they will be
Part time teachers on contracts of 12 to 17 Concerns of teachers of concise and not require extensive discursive
hours’ teaching per week will have a pro rata English description and that their design will facilitate
allocation of 12 to 17 hours’ of Junior Cycle Teachers of English had significant concerns easy completion by teachers and efficient
professional time annually. about the prescribed modality for the oral compilation at school level.The NCCA will
assessment (the first CBA) and also about the engage with unions and other stakeholders in
lack of time to prepare students for this CBA. the development of the templates. It is
Part time teachers on 18 hours or more (who
envisaged that the new reporting requirements
are not paid on a full-time basis) will be treated will not require significant additional time for
according to the arrangements for full-time Now: For the first cohort of students (those who teachers and that the provision of professional
teachers (ie reduction of 40 minutes for each were in first year in 2014/15 and who are time to teachers within their timetables will
of the 33 weeks of the year equating to 22 progressing to second year for the 2015/16 ensure that all reporting requirements can be
hours of professional time.) school year) there will be an option for teachers implemented successfully.
of English to have those students complete
Concerns over assessment of
their Classroom Based Assessment (CBA) in
artefacts/performances in
June Exam Date Spring 2016 or to defer it to the beginning of practical subjects
their third year (2016/17). Rather than the
The original NCCA proposals (2011) In the case of a small number of subjects (Art,
prescribed modality for the oral, the NCCA will
provided for end of year examinations in Music, Home Economics and the Technology
specify a wider range of assessment options
Third Year. With the exception of English, subjects) the second Classroom-Based
that will enable English teachers to ensure that
Irish and Maths exams (which were to Assessment (CBA) will involve the creation of
the first CBA is manageable and appropriate to
continue to take place in June) these an artefact or a performance.The formative
the learning needs of students. assessment related to the production of these
examinations were to take place in May
while schools were open. Other concerns of teachers of English are artefacts and performances will be reported
addressed by increased continuing professional upon to the student and parent/guardian by
development (CPD) and the provision of 10 the school as for all other second CBAs.
Now it is confirmed that the terminal hours of professional time in 2015/16 (when However, as the finished artefacts and
examinations in all subjects for third years will the revised English specification is being taught performances are currently marked by the
continue to be run by the State Examinations in first and second year) and 14 hours in State Examinations Commission, the artefact or
Commission (SEC) in the month of June. 2016/17 (when the revised specification is performance (for example, the piece of art or
being taught in all three years). project work created by the student) will
continue to be marked by SEC, together with
A commitment has also been secured that “the
the related written evidence as appropriate.
views of teachers of English and their
Protecting Subjects Essentially, the artefact/performance is the
representatives will inform the design of the assessment task in these subjects. In other
In 2011, the original NCCA proposals
CPD and other supports that will be put in subjects the assessment task is a brief report
reduced the maximum number of subjects
place.” that is separate from and completed following
for state certification to 8.
the third year CBA.
Now: Students will take a maximum of 10 Irrespective of your vote on the acceptability or otherwise of the
subjects for State Certification and, in addition, proposals, it is vital that you vote YES for continuation of industrial
a new area called “Well-being” to incorporate action up to and including strike action in the event that the
PE, SPHE (RSE) and CSPE. (There will be State negotiated document is not accepted.
Assessment of CSPE until and including the
June 2018 examinations). Please note that implementation of this agreement will be monitored
by an implementation committee comprised of representatives of the
Therefore, the concern that so-called “minority
signatories to the agreement (The signatories are the Presidents and
subjects” would not be offered for certification
General Secretaries of TUI and ASTI and the Minister for Education
purposes has been addressed.
and Skills).
6 September 2015 - TUI NEWS
TUI NEWS
Timeline of a campaign – March 2014 to Present
March 2014 TUI members vote overwhelmingly in favour of industrial action over proposed changes to Junior
Cycle. Directive on non-cooperation with the new programme issues to members.
September/October 2014 Engagement between unions, new Minister Jan O’ Sullivan & Department of Education and Skills.
7th, 10th & 11th
November 2014 Negotiations between Department and unions, chaired by Dr Pauric Travers.
11th November 2014 Negotiations reach an impasse.
14th November 2014 Joint and separate meetings of TUI/ASTI executive bodies take place. Directive subsequently issued to
members to take strike action on December 2nd with a further date to follow if necessary.
19th November 2014 Unions meet with Minister, who requests that strike be cancelled. Unions state that in the absence of
required developments in respect of external assessment and workload, there was no basis for
cancellation.
2nd December 2014 27,000 TUI and ASTI members take one day’s strike action. Significant media campaign arranged
around the strike.
12th December 2014 Joint and separate meetings of TUI/ASTI executive bodies decide that a second strike day will take
place on January 22nd, with a third day to be determined if necessary. Unions agree to engage in
further exploratory talks if an invitation received.
19th December 2014 Further meeting with Dr Travers takes place. Unions indicate willingness to enter talks with
Department without preconditions.
14th January 2015 Unions meet with Minister and officials. Unions re-iterate principled opposition to school-based
assessment for certification and concerns regarding capacity at system and school level. Considerable
differences remain but both sides agree to engage in further discussions.
22nd January 2015 One day’s strike action in second level schools across the country. Strike is again accompanied by a
significant media campaign.
13th February 2015 Following joint meeting, unions state that the draft document they had received for consideration –
produced by Dr Travers - does not form the basis for agreement. Significant aspects of the document
are not acceptable to teachers.
February 2015 Following intensive further engagement between parties, revised document produced by Dr Travers.
27th February 2015 Following joint meeting, unions state that revised Dr Pauric Travers document (Junior Cycle Reform –
A Way Forward) while not representing a comprehensive resolution, represents a basis for further
intensive negotiations with a focus on the key issues that arise from the document and that have been
the subject of the recent exchange of correspondence with the Department. Unions criticise leaking
of document to a national newspaper and request that further talks be scheduled.
March 2015 Unions state that without further discussion, Dr Travers’ document would remain incomplete. In
statement, Minister rejects this position. Members directed that they may not register for or engage
with new CPD for Junior Cycle English or attend Junior Cycle Gaeilge conference in Dublin.
7th April 2015 Joint statement from TUI and ASTI Presidents at annual conferences in Wexford and Killarney,
respectively, outlines principled position and calls for complete adherence to directive in relation to
English CPD.
8th April 2015 At TUI Annual Congress, Minister reiterates her desire to find a solution to impasse.
April 2015 Co-ordinated TUI/ASTI picketing of English CPD at education centres around the country.
7th May 2015 Lunchtime protests outside schools around the country.
May 2015 Further intensive negotiations between unions and Department of Education & Skills. Proposal to
resolve dispute agreed between parties - Joint Statement on Principles and Implementation
document.
22nd May 2015 Executive bodies of both TUI and ASTI that decide that the formed the basis of a ballot of members,
subject to further negotiation on time and resources.
July 2015 Following intensive discussions between union representatives and the Department of Education and
Skills, an agreement on time and resources for the implementation of the new Junior Cycle is reached
in early July 2015. This is publicly announced on 14th July and published online. Document considered
by executive bodies of both unions in late August.
28th August 2015 TUI executive committee recommends acceptance of Junior Cycle proposals.
9th September 2015 TUI ballot papers on Junior Cycle proposals to be posted from head office.
23rd September 2015 TUI ballot on Junior Cycle proposals to close.
www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 7
TUI NEWS
Creating a Su
Study calls for sustained Working En
pportive
vironment
for Academ
ics in
investment and restoration of Higher Edu
Country Re
cation:
port Ireland
staffing levels at third level
A major new study involving almost 1,200 collegiality supported by … consultation” at
MARIE CLARKE
academics across third level institutions in college management level. , AIDAN KENN
Y, ANDREW LOXL
EY
Ireland calls for ‘significantly increased and
sustained levels of investment’ and Launching the Report, John Walshe said
that higher education experienced the hours should be abolished as a matter of
increased staffing levels to meet continued urgency.
growth in student numbers. Almost three- biggest percentage increase in student
quarters of respondents feel their working enrolments but also the biggest percentage “It is also extremely worrying that over half
conditions are deteriorating. decrease in teaching numbers over the past of respondents indicated institutional
decade. “Between 2008 and 2013 the pressure to raise external research funding.
The Report ‘Creating a Supportive number of primary school teachers rose by There should be no reliance on this to
Working Environment for Academics 3%, second level teacher numbers dropped support essential activities,” Mr
in Higher Education’ by Marie Clarke, by 2% but at third level the reduction was MacGabhann said.
Aidan Kenny and Andrew Loxley, was 17% according to official figures. It begs the
launched in Dublin in June by John question – why has higher education IFUT General Secretary, Mike
Walshe, Education Consultant and suffered so severely relative to other parts Jennings commented that one of the
former Adviser to Minister Ruairi of the public service?” he asked. more shocking findings of the report was
Quinn, TD. It was commissioned by the the belief among 72% of respondents that
TUI and the Irish Federation of University TUI General Secretary, John their working conditions had deteriorated.
Teachers (IFUT) and involved consultations MacGabhann said that austerity “This is due in main part to the continuing
throughout Irish third-level institutions. measures continue to undermine the surge in student numbers combined with
working conditions of Irish academics. the slashing of teacher numbers and third-
The Report highlights that: “Between 2007 and 2014, the higher level Budgets over the past decade.
■ Funding to the third-level education education sector sustained funding cuts of
The lack of administrative support
29% or over €385m. Over a similar period,
decreased by a massive 29% from 2007 student numbers rose by 16% (31,640) combined with ever longer hours at work
to 2014. Institutes of Technology lost while staff numbers fell by 4,500. These and pressures on research time adds to the
29%, universities 26% and other colleges measures have had a severely damaging sense of despair among many third level
effect on both the working conditions of teaching staff.
24%.
academic staff and the quality of the “The undermining of research evident in
■ Staff numbers declined by 4,500 from educational experience for students. the findings of the Report must also be
2008 to 2013. At the same time student addressed. On the one hand the
“The ‘flex hours’ in Institutes of Technology
numbers at third-level surged by over have contributed greatly to work-related government emphasises the vital role that
31,000 (16%) from 2008 to 2014. stress in the sector. The delivery of these research and development must play in the
two hours of lecturing requires a multiple recovery of our economy and society. One
of these hours to include the other, it is evident that research is being
Among other key findings are: demoted and under-supported and lacks
subject/curriculum development, research,
■ 72% of academics believe that their preparation work and the development of the policies and procedures to facilitate
assessment of examinations material. As a academics the actual time to engage in
working conditions have deteriorated research activities,” he said.
result, lecturing hours and the associated
■ 55% of respondents believe that hours of work in the institutes are far in The full 136 page report is available
management does not support the excess of established international norms on TUI’s website. Alternatively, hard
teaching aspects of their role and are unsustainable. These additional copies are available from TUI Head
■ Two thirds of respondents (67%) believe Office. Please contact Jane O’
Sullivan (josullivan@tui.ie)
the availability of research funding is
inadequate.
■ Over half of respondents indicated an
increased pressure to raise external
research funding, with over two thirds
considering the availability of such
funding inadequate.
■ 64% did not view themselves as
participants in the decision making
processes of their institutions and 67%
views internal communications as
‘inadequate.’
The report calls on higher education
institutions to “make specific and public
commitments to the teaching role of
academics,” proposes “appropriate
supports” for research and advocates JOHN WALSHE PICTURED WITH REPORT AUTHORS AIDAN KENNY, MARIE
promoting “a culture of academic CLARKE AND ANDREW LOXLEY
8 September 2015 - TUI NEWS
INSTITUTE NEWS
Forced mergers put DTU process
technological university update -
proposals at risk industrial action
withdrawn
Members in the institute of technology sector continue to have grave Following discussions in the LRC concerning
concerns regarding the requirement expressed in the draft Head of Bill issues relating to the DTU ‘safe space’ process,
Technological University Scheme (2014) that institutes seeking to apply for industrial action in IT Blanchardstown was
technological university status must merge. Branches affected have balloted withdrawn and it was confirmed to the LRC
members for industrial action in opposition to any forced mergers (see table that industrial action would not take place in
below). TUI believes that institutes that can fulfil the academic criteria should the other two institutes . The following is the
be allowed apply for technological university status in their own right text of the agreement reached between TUI,
without the precondition to merge. DIT, IT Tallaght, and IT Blanchardstown with
the assistance of the Labour Relations
TUI branches have identified a variety of serious concerns pertaining to Commission.
forced mergers such as: geographical spread, financial feasibility, structures TUI/ Management Merger
and governance, relocation of programmes, diminution of regional provision, Engagement/Negotiation Forum
loss of identity, bureaucratisation, inadequate resources, threats to quality 1. TUI is opposed to the Government’s
and standards, threats to working conditions including the imposition of current requirement that any Institute
excessive workloads and reduced local access to programmes. must be legally dissolved prior to a
Technological University being sanctioned.
TUI has identified numerous issues in the draft legislation and has requested 2. Without prejudice to the above position,
appropriate changes to be made. We have raised our concerns with the the Dublin Colleges, IT Tallaght and IT
Department of Education and Skills and the Higher Education Authority. The Blanchardstown Branches of TUI are willing
union has clearly pointed out to those willing to listen that the success or to engage with Management in a process of
failure of any technological university project is dependent on the co- negotiation and consultation on the
operation and full engagement of the academic staff. Judging by the outcomes proposed merger.
3. The three TUI Branches and Management
of ballots in branches it is clear that members are far from satisfied with the
representing the three Institutes agree to
engagement and consultation processes experienced to date. establish a TUI/ Management Engagement
and Negotiation Forum, chaired by the
Significant additional funding and resources are needed in order to build the LRC. This Forum will undertake a process
capacity and capability of the institutes to realise a technology university of comprehensive negotiation and
sector. The current crisis in regard to understaffing, underfunding and engagement to address all issues pertaining
increased student demand needs to be addressed in the first instance. This to a merger which may affect existing and
will require the dismantling of the Employment Control Framework (ECF) new staff and grades represented by the
and the recruitment of hundreds of additional academic and research staff, TUI.
the provision of significant additional core grant funding and investment in 4. Every effort will be made to reach a
capital building projects and equipment for student learning facilities, consensus from all relevant stakeholders
research labs and accommodation. on the timing of the proposed merger.
5. It is agreed that where specific merger
TUI branch ballots against forced mergers issues pertinent to a particular Institute
arise, they can be referred back by the
Branch Proposed Ballot result Update Merger Engagement/Negotiation Forum to
that institute to be dealt with locally.
TU (Normal industrial relations practices
Cork IT MTU In favour of industrial action Dispute lodged involving local discussions should take
with LRC
place prior to the referral of merger issues
to the engagement/negotiation forum.
6. It is agreed that merger/TU related issues
Tralee IT MTU In favour of industrial action Dispute lodged
may fall within the following categories:
with LRC a. issues that either side require to be
addressed directly within the
Waterford IT SETU In favour of industrial action Dispute lodged TUI/Management Merger
with LRC Engagement/Negotiation Forum, and
b. issues that need to be informed by the
Carlow IT SETU In favour of industrial action Dispute lodged outcome of the Safe Space Forum.
with LRC 7. It is agreed that reasonable time will be
afforded to TUI to conduct a ballot of
Blanchardstown IT DTU In favour of industrial action LRC Discussions members in the three Institutes on an
agreed outcome.
Dublin IT DTU In favour of industrial action LRC Discussions 8. In the event that there is disagreement
between the parties, it is agreed that the
Tallaght IT DTU In favour of industrial action LRC Discussions assistance of the LRC will be sought to
resolve the issues.
www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 9
INSTITUTE NEWS
25 new apprenticeship programmes
enter development phase
The Apprenticeship Council has
recommended the development of 25 TABLE 1
new apprenticeship programmes. The Proposer New Apprenticeship
development phase of these
apprenticeships will consist of the Accountant Technician Ireland Higher Apprenticeship in Accountancy
establishment of apprenticeship Association of Craft Butchers of Ireland Butchery and Fresh Food Retail
steering committees, the production Combilift OEM Technician
of project plans, the identification of Dawson Travel Travel Professional
the financial resources required and
the putting in place of governance Donegal ETB Advanced Craft Welder
structures. Included in this work will Donegal ETB Craft Welder
be the development of standards, Eircom Telecommunications Field Technician
awards, accreditation, registration and
quality assurance processes. The full Fasttrack to IT Network Engineering
list of the proposers and new Fasttrack to IT Software Developer
apprenticeship programme titles is Financial Services Ireland IFS Generalist
presented in table 1. Financial Services Ireland IFS Advanced Specialist
Financial Services Ireland IFS Specialist
Apprenticeship as an education and Flour Confectionary and Bakers Association Baker
training model allows young people Irish Hotels Federation & Restaurants
the opportunity to earn a wage whilst Association of Ireland Commis Chef
engaging in both formal education and Irish Medical Device Association Manufacturing Engineer
on-the-job training. In addition, the
Irish apprenticeship model requires Irish Medical Device Association Manufacturing Technician
apprentices to have a contract of Irish Road haulage Association HGV Driver
employment which bestows distinct IT Tralee Sous Chef
employment rights. Upon successful
completion of an apprenticeship IT Tralee Chef de Partie
programme an apprentice will receive IT Tralee Commis Chef
a nationally certified award, usually at IT Tralee Executive Chef
Level 6 of the National Framework of Limerick IT Field Service Engineer – Electrical
Qualifications. However, the new Technology
apprenticeship programmes will make
awards from Level 5 to Level 9. More National Institute of Transport and Logistics Warehouse and Distribution Operative
information can be obtained at Plastics Ireland Polymer Processing Technician
www.apprenticeshipcouncil.ie. Zurich Insurance General Insurance Practitioner
Table 1, List of proposers and new apprenticeship programmes.
Unacceptable delay in publication of
report on Fixed Term and Part Time
employment at third level
At the time of going to print, the findings of In July 2015, the relevant unions also made whatever action is necessary so that the
the Expert Group on Fixed Term and Part representation to the General Secretary of exercise covering third level education can
Time Employment for the third level sector ICTU, Patricia King, in relation to the delay. be brought to a conclusion before the 1st
- as provided for under the Haddington of September.”
Ms King wrote to the Minister for
Road Agreement - have still not been
Education and Skills advising that “much of TUI is gravely concerned by the
published.
the debate and discussion at the recent unacceptable delay in the issuing of these
The delay was raised by TUI and the other Congress Biennial Delegate Conference findings. A very real crisis of casualisation
unions representing lecturers in third level concerned the growth of precarious exists in the sector and this report must be
in the discussions leading to the publication employment in the Republic of Ireland.” Ms issued as a matter of urgency.
of the Lansdowne Road proposals. King requested that the Minister “take
10 September 2015 - TUI NEWSINSTITUTE NEWS
Breakthrough in the conversion process for
Hourly Paid Assistant Lecturers/
Associate Lecturers
There has been a recent breakthrough in academic year 2014/2015. A person converted Agreement where it states that the parties
the long and protracted discussions will be assimilated to the Assistant Lecturer will put in place a process for the phased
between TUI, IOTI, DIT and the payscale on the point nearest and not below conversion of Hourly Paid Assistant
Department of Education and Skills over his/her current rate from the date of Lecturers/Associate Lecturers
the mechanism for the phased conversion conversion. (HPALs/ASLs) to pro-rata Assistant
of Hourly Paid Assistant Lecturers, the following agreement outlines
In the context of the above process the
Lecturers/Associate Lecturers to pro-rata phase 1 of that process:
provisions of Circular 93/2007 will apply to
Assistant Lecturers as set out in the
Hourly Paid Assistant Lecturers/Associate ■ Individuals will be converted to the
Haddington Road Agreement (HRA).
Lecturers.” existing nationally agreed pro-rata
The HRA stated that: contract for Assistant Lecturers
Despite numerous engagements between
“The Parties will put in place a process for the the parties, TUI disputed the manner in ■ Individuals who have lost hours as a
phased conversion of Hourly Paid which management was proposing to result of the Hourly Paid Assistant
Assistant/Associate lecturers to pro-rata implement the conversion process. With Lecturers/Associate Lecturers
Assistant Lecturers.This process will in the first the assistance of the LRC, a resolution was (HPALs/ASLs) to pro-rata Assistant
instance establish and agree those posts which reached in July 2015 in relation to the Lecturers conversion process will be
are appropriate to be converted and thereafter, mechanism to be used for the process. The prioritised for those hours in line with
such posts will be converted over a period of text of the agreement is set out below. normal timetabling protocols.”
three years commencing in or before the
“In accordance with the Haddington Road
Irish success in Worldskills
competition São Paulo Brazil
The 43rd Worldskills competition was
hosted in São Paulo, Brazil in the
second week of August. Fifty nine
countries sent over 1,100 competitors
and over 200,000 people visited the
competition during its three days. The
event focuses on excellence in
apprenticeship and vocational skills and
Ireland was represented by a team of
35, including 14 competitors, 15
experts and support staff. The Irish
team won two gold medals and 8
ALINA SILE RECEIVING HER GOLD MEDAL
Medallions of Excellence and the team
was ranked 11th out of 59 countries,
finishing above Germany, France, USA,
Canada and Finland. TUI would like to
acknowledge the excellent work of all
concerned. In addition, the work of the
National Skills Competition needs to
be fully acknowledged, particularly that
of the apprentices and lecturers in the
institutes of technology sector. Their
ongoing commitment to promoting
excellence in the apprenticeship and
vocational skills area is inspirational. ROS WYNNE WITH THE OTHER MEDAL WINNERS IN AIRCRAFT
MAINTENANCE
www.tui.ie - TUI NEWS 11TUI NEWS
A message for new teachers
TUI is committed to improving conditions of service for new
and recent entrants to the profession.
the profession.
Through negotiation, the union secured a
mechanism for addressing the crisis for
teachers. This mechanism – the Expert
Group headed by Mr Peter Ward – issued
a report in September 2014 that
significantly ameliorates two aspects of
casualisation. It provides for the award of
a contract of indefinite duration (CID) (a
CID is a permanent contract) upon
commencement of a 3rd successive year
of employment with an employer and it
provides improved terms and procedures
for augmentation of a pro-rata CID. This
provision became effective at the
commencement of the current (2015/16)
school year and beats by two years the
similar provision that applies to other
workers, including public servants. The
report of a separate Expert Group set up
to issue recommendations on the crisis at
third level is awaited.
Key Objective 1: has sought to have the discriminatory, Of course, this gain does not eradicate
Restoration of pre-2011 new entrants’ post-February 2012 scale the scourge of non-permanency and part-
removed. We have made some progress. time work. Therefore, the campaign
salary scale for all teachers The Haddington Road Agreement against casualisation will continue until
TUI abhors a situation where two provided for some adjustment to the the principle that initial appointments
teachers or two lecturers earn different scale. This was important in practical and should be to permanent contracts
salaries for carrying out the same work. symbolic terms. It commenced the becomes the practice - as not so long ago
Campaigning against this inequity was process of restoration and, as importantly, it was.
demonstrated that the scale can be
again prioritised at this year’s TUI Annual overturned and that restoration can be Help us shape the
Congress. The existing discrimination is achieved. continuing campaign
perhaps the key challenge faced by the We urge all new entrants to the
The campaign will continue until the
profession in the coming years – a period objective of having all teachers on the profession to engage actively with TUI in
during which the education system will common basic scale is achieved. our campaign to reverse these cuts to
require thousands more teachers due to the terms and conditions of new entrants
rapidly changing demographics. Key Objective 2: Tackling to the profession.
the crisis of casualisation
The restoration of the pre-2011 scale for A third of second-level teachers are Attend branch meeting, become an active
all teachers and lecturers is a key part of TUI and help us to shape the
objective of the union. We have availed of employed on part-time and/or temporary
continuing campaign to reverse these
every possible opportunity to highlight contracts and this rises to 50% of unfair and divisive cuts.
the rank unfairness of the current teachers under 35 years of age. TUI has
situation whereby colleagues doing the consistently warned about the dangerous You need your union; your union needs
same work are treated differently in you.
terms of pay. In every negotiation, the TUI effects of this growing casualisation for
Attend branch meeting, become an active part of TUI and help us to
shape the continuing campaign to reverse these unfair and divisive cuts.
You need your union; your union needs you.
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credit cards. Cornmarket Group Financial Services Ltd. is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. A member of the Irish Life Group Ltd. Telephone calls may be recorded for
quality control and training purposes.TUI NEWS
Don’t Bottle It,
It’s Good To Talk
A poster entitled Don’t Bottle It, It’s Good To Talk is being
distributed to all workplaces this September. We request that
this poster be displayed on the TUI notice board and in other
prominent places in your workplace. Teacher Welfare Carec
all
1800-411057
The poster aims to promote positive mental health and well- Samaritans 116123
being by encouraging members to talk about whatever might be
worrying them, including personal anxieties, family related Console 1800-24724
7
concerns, workload issues or a range of other pressures and Aware 1890-303302
stresses including those of a financial nature. Pieta House 01-601
0000
The key message is that no matter what the worry or anxiety Mabs 0761-072000
may be, it is important to talk about it. Often a good listener LGBT.ie 1890-92953
who can respect confidences will provide the encouragement 9
to carry on and help resolve issues at difficult and challenging Headstrong.ie
01-4727010
times.
Bodywhys.ie
In this regard there is a wide range of supports available, the 1890-200444
contact details of which are listed on the poster.
The poster was designed and developed by a sub committee
of the TUI Equality Council. The members of that sub
committee were Michael Hogan (Co Donegal Branch), Gael
Guckian (Dublin C&C Branch), Proinsias O’ Tuama (Co Cork
Branch), Mary Cooney (Cork Institute of Technology), Ann
Mannion (Co Dublin Branch) and Clare Conneely Disclaimer: To the fullest
extent permitted by law,
to act or refraining from the Teachers’ Union of
Ireland will not be liable
(Co Galway Branch). acting upon the contents
of this poster. In particular by reason of breach of
reference to any organisati
contract, negligence or
otherwise for any loss
on contained in this poster or damage (whether direct,
shall not be deemed to
be an endorsement of
indirect or consequential)
such organisation by the
occasioned to any person
acting, omitting
Teachers’ Union of Ireland.
Swedish visitors surprised by
extracurricular commitment of Irish
teachers
In April 2015, TUI was delighted to receive a adult education. INTO gave a briefing on One of the most interesting aspects for TUI
visit from ten senior members of our sister similar issues in primary education and early was that the Swedish delegation was very
teacher trade union Lärarförbundet from childhood education. NCCA gave a briefing happy to point out that, contrary to popular
Uddevalla, Sweden. Lärarförbundet has a on the Irish model of curriculum opinion, not everything in Scandinavian
quarter of a million members in Sweden development whilst the Teaching Council education is better than in Ireland. They
who work in pre-primary, primary and spoke about vetting, registration and FEILTE. were shocked at large Irish class sizes but
port-primary settings. It is one of two main were very pleasantly surprised at the range
teacher trade unions in Sweden. Whilst in During their visit, the delegation attended a of extracurricular activities provided
Dublin, the delegation visited both a meeting of the TUI Education Sub- voluntarily by Irish teachers and their high
primary school and post-primary school in Committee which addresses issues of levels of academic attainment. In Sweden,
West Dublin and received a number of educational policy. A very useful discussion all extracurricular activity must be paid for
briefings on the Irish education system. TUI and Question and Answer session took and schools are having difficulty recruiting
briefed them on the structure, context, place with both sides having many questions applicants, especially for senior leadership
shifting opportunities and challenges of about the other’s systems. roles.
second-level, third level and further and
14 September 2015 - TUI NEWSYou can also read
