The University and College Union has called on the government to resolve staff concerns over workload and the erosion of agreed working conditions at University College Isle of Man.
The call comes as staff begin their eighth week of working to rule after winning a strike ballot with an overwhelming yes vote of 98% for taking the action, on a turnout of 58%.
The union said the action followed years of concerns raised by UCU members and branch officers, many of which remain unaddressed.
These include serious matters relating to health, safety and wellbeing, unmanageable workloads with an increasing reliance on unpaid overtime, and the expansion of roles and responsibilities without appropriate recognition or remuneration.
Action
The union said that repeated attempts to engage with both UCM and DESC have not resulted in productive or timely action, and at times have gone unanswered, leaving staff with no option but to escalate the matter formally, the union said.
UCU general secretary Jo Grady said: “Staff are committed professionals who care deeply about their students and the integrity of education. However, they cannot continue to compensate for ongoing pressures at the expense of their own wellbeing, nor accept conditions that risk undermining the quality and integrity of education.
“We are calling on DESC and UCM leadership to engage meaningfully with staff to address their concerns. Management must restore fair and agreed working conditions, and ensure students receive the high-quality education they both expect and deserve.”
Department
An education department spokesperson said: “The department is committed to ensuring that its employees are supported in a safe and positive working environment.
“It has been actively engaging with University and College Union (UCU) and the Manx Industrial Relations Service (MIRS), and will continue to work constructively with all parties to reach a resolution that addresses concerns and protects the quality of education for students. We remain committed to open dialogue and to finding a fair and sustainable way forward.”