The Mary Immaculate College Branch of the Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT) recently organised two key briefing sessions focusing on precarious employment, marking Trade Union Week. These sessions were held at the Fórsa Building on Roxboro Road, Limerick, and saw the participation of both European and Limerick Mayoral election candidates, who discussed the pressing issue of precarious work in higher education and beyond.

Highlights from the Sessions:

European Election Candidates: Several candidates for the European Parliament attended the morning session, including Paul Gavan (Sinn Féin), Cian Prendiville, Michael McNamara (Independent), and Susan Doyle (Social Democrats). We are delighted to announce that Paul Gavan, Cian Prendiville, and Michael McNamara have all signed the ICTU pledge, demonstrating their commitment to supporting workers' rights and collective bargaining.

Limerick Mayoral Election Candidates: The afternoon session included local mayoral candidates such as Cllr Conor Sheehan (Labour), Cllr Elisa O'Donovan (Social Democrats), Ruairi Fahy (PBP), and Gerben Uunk (Party for Animal Welfare). This year’s mayoral election is historic as it marks the first time Limerick will have a directly elected mayor with executive powers. Several candidates committed to the principle of a precarity-free Limerick, highlighting the importance of local leadership in tackling employment issues.

Key Contributions:

Rory McGann, Chair of the IFUT-MIC Branch, highlighted the broad impact of precarious employment, stating,

"Precarious employment is a critical issue that extends beyond academia, affecting the stability and well-being of countless workers. Addressing this challenge requires collective effort and robust policies."
 

Dr. Deirdre Flynn, a committee member of the IFUT-MIC Branch, presented the IFUT report on precarious employment. Her detailed insights into the problem emphasised the urgent need for legislative and institutional reforms to protect vulnerable workers.

Significance of the ICTU Pledge:

The ICTU manifesto for the 2024 European Elections, to which many candidates have committed, calls for substantial reforms to end precarious work, support trade unions, and ensure a fair and just Europe. The manifesto stresses the need for secure jobs, decent pay, and robust workers' rights, aligning closely with IFUT's objectives of improving working conditions in higher education.

Moving Forward:

These briefing sessions are part of IFUT's ongoing efforts to address the widespread issue of precarious employment in higher education. We encourage all members to stay engaged and support initiatives advocating for fair employment practices.

Stay informed about IFUT activities and join the discussion on securing better working conditions for all. For more information, please visit www.ifut.ie.