UCD employees to strike as students return

STAFF at University College Dublin (UCD) are to take industrial action as students return next month because of alleged denials of job security and pension rights.

SIPTU has claimed the university is abusing legislation covering fixed-term contract work. Around one-third of the university’s 3,000 staff, including lecturers, researchers, administrative and services staff — are on such contracts, according to the union’s education branch organiser, Chris Rowland.

“UCD is blatantly in breach of the legislation by not giving some contract staff a pension. This policy is creating a two-tier workforce, one with security and provision for the future and the other without,” she said.

SIPTU has issued notice of industrial action from September 11, which is when most students are due back on campus for lectures. The action voted for in recent weeks could range from a ban on overtime or one-hour stoppages to an all-out picketed strike.

The university said last night that it was surprised and perturbed to receive notice of industrial action from SIPTU in relation to fixed-term contract employees since it was engaged with the union in discussions which seemed to be moving towards agreement.

A spokesperson said UCD has suggested an early meeting with the union and has requested the assistance of the Labour Relations Commission.

Under the Protection of Employees (Fixed Term Work) Act 2003, employers must make provision for pensions and benefits for contract workers.

The issue has been the subject of agreement in schools where hundreds of teachers employed on contract for many years have been offered contracts of indefinite duration provided for under the legislation, which give them similar rights to permanent staff.

SIPTU has 20 cases awaiting a rights commissioner hearing on behalf of UCD workers kept on fixed-term contracts where they believe a permanent post is required.