TCD staff vote for strike action over temporary deals for new starters

Members of the Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) in Trinity College Dublin have voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action as they seek "full discussions" with the college on employment practices.

The staff in the administration, library and support staff categories voted by 27-3 in support of industrial action, including strike action, over plans to make all future appointments in these areas on a temporary-contract basis.

IFUT general secretary Mike Jennings said it was seeking immediate withdrawal of the TCD decision and "a full discussion with college management on more appropriate recruitment and employment practices to ensure a coherent staff relations policy".

The college is also proposing that future promotions operate on the same basis, with the aim of extending casualisation to all grades of staff over time.

"Such a short-sighted policy will only serve to undermine the morale of staff and students alike and, if implemented, will further erode the overall educational status of Trinity College," Mr Jennings said.