Industrial action at NWRC

It is believed staff will refuse to mark exam papers, along with other duties, as part of the planned action on May 28, 2012.

A ballot among members of the University and Colleges Union, which represents over 90 per cent of academic staff at the college, returned a majority of approximately 85 per cent in favour of action short of a strike in an unusually high turnout of voting members. Around two thirds voted in favour of full strike action.

The Principal of the College has been advised of the “actions short of a strike” which members intend to take, as well as the date and time of the action.

The industrial action follows a long period of controversy between staff and senior management at the college, dating back to 2008. The Department of Employment and learning at Stormont recently held an independent investigation into employment relations at the College, where Foyle MLA Pat Ramsey told NWRC Principal Seamus Murphy: “Grown men, in tears, told me you wrecked their lives.”