SIPTU members working in Trinity College Dublin are to ballot for industrial and strike action in a dispute concerning the failure of management to offer permanent contracts to staff. SIPTU Sector Organiser, Karl Byrne, said: “Our workplace representatives are dismayed and frustrated about the lack of any tangible progress with regard to a number of outstanding issues at the college. The management position of offering no permanent contracts to workers and replacing permanent positions with staff on fixed term contracts of varying lengths is unacceptable to our members. “It is the view of our members that the management of the university is using the granting of fixed term contracts as a means to avoid offering workers proper contracts of employment that would provide them with permanent and pensionable jobs.” SIPTU Education Sector President and Trinity College Section Committee member, Jack McGinley, said: “The issue of the non-replacement of permanent staff has been ongoing for the last two years. There has been a number of meetings between SIPTU representatives and management, as well as conciliation conferences involving the parties, but these have resulted in little progress on the issues in dispute. It is our members’ contention that the management of the university is in breach of Section 3.3.5 of the Lansdowne Road Agreement in relation to the delivery of services by directly employed workers.” He added: “A consultation process involving SIPTU members in the university is now underway. This process will continue for the next two weeks during which a ballot will also be conducted on industrial and strike action, to be commenced should management fail to meaningfully engage with us to find a resolution to the issues in dispute. SIPTU representatives remain available to engage in meaningful negotiations with management on the issues in dispute.” SIPTU organises 700 support staff in Trinity College Dublin.
SIPTU members in Trinity College Dublin to ballot for strike action
