Ban on re-entering Croke Park passed

TUI delegates have voted not to re-enter any talks with the Government on the proposed successor to the Croke Park Agreement and to ballot on withdrawing from Ictu should any of its proposals be forced on teachers.

The union earlier indicated it would not be bound by a vote of the public service committee of Ictu when it considers ratification of the proposed agreement in mid-April.

Usually, if the public services committee backs a deal, those who have rejected it go along with the overall decision.

In a passionate debate which lasted well over an hour, delegates cheered and applauded a succession of speakers who argued against the executive entering any further talks with the Government or management side.

Significantly, the motion also called for an immediate ballot to withdraw from membership of Ictu, should the proposals be imposed on TUI members by either Ictu or the Government. It also instructs the executive of the TUI to work with other unions opposed to Croke Park II to prevent its implementation.

Kevin Farrell, a member of the executive committee but speaking in a personal capacity, said the union should hold firm to its rejection of the proposed deal and not re-enter any talks should the opportunity arise.

“The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. Are we going to do that? I say no and we must keep our no vote. We must not legitimise the Croke Park Agreement by entering any talks. It would signal a weakness to Government if we go down that road,” he said.

Mr Farrell also said that if Ictu was no longer to be its protector by imposing a decision upon the union, then the TUI must ballot to leave.

Martin Marjoram of Tallaght IT hit out at any suggestion of the union executive entertaining an invitation to re-enter talks, saying the union would be collaborating with efforts to erode the pay and rights of workers.

President Gerry Craughwell called for the motion to be referred, saying no union should “tie the hands” of its executive in representing them.

“Croke Park I was a mess. The fact we were marched up the hill and down was an embarrassing mess. We have a resounding no vote and we should keep it. However, I am asking you to refer the motion, not because I disagree with it but no union should tie the hands of its executive to at least go and find out what is being said. Don’t tie our hands and forbid us the right to represent you at national talks.”