Jo Grady,
General Secretary, UCU.

Dear Jo,
   On behalf of the Members and the National Executive of the Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) I am honoured to be mandated to send warmest greetings of support and solidarity to the members of UCU who have embarked on a programme of industrial action which will involve 68 universities.

We have followed with great interest the efforts by the leaders and members of your union over the past number of years to secure a fair and just outcome to the serious disputes concerning the USS pension scheme as well as the deterioration in both the pension and the pay & working conditions of your members.

We are greatly encouraged to note that the National Union of Students (NUS) is supporting UCU's industrial action and is also calling for better working conditions, pay and pensions for staff. This kind of practical solidarity really emphasises the just nature of your members’ proposals to deal with the current crisis facing both staff and students in the universities involved.

It is often said in messages such as this that “your cause is our cause”. However, in this case this sentiment is more than just a slogan, it is a challenging reality. When you succeed in achieving a just outcome of your dispute, academics and students not just in the UK but also in Ireland and in many other countries will benefit from your example and leadership.

Please let us know if there is anything of a practical nature that we in IFUT can do to assist you in your inspiring campaign for justice.
Yours sincerely,

Frank Jones
General Secretary