Consultative Referendum on PhD Supports and Collective Action

The Executive of UCD Students’ Union, at a meeting on the 9th of October, by approval of the Returning Officer decided to hold a Consultative Referendum by direction to poll a section of its membership on their views in relation to the supports offered to PhD Researchers and potential collective action. The polling date for the online Consultative Referendum is the 24th of October.

The approved Consultative Referendum wording is outlined below.

Question 1: “Are you satisfied with the outcomes of the National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers - these include recommendations for stipend increases for IRC/SFI awardees.” Options: Yes/No

Question 2: “Based on your current conditions and the outcome of the National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers are you prepared to partake in collective action involving a full withdrawal of labour in teaching and/or research activities - including some of but not limited to: withdrawal from teaching assistant and demonstrating work, withdrawal from delivery of lectures, withdrawal from tutorial duties and/or marking boycotts.” Options: Yes/No

Question 3: “Based on your current conditions and the outcome of the National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers are you prepared to partake in collective action involving withdrawal of specific forms of labour or withdrawal of labour in specific circumstances -including some of but not limited to: refusal to participate in marking of exam scripts at assessment times , refusal to participate in invigilation and/or flash walkouts.” Options: Yes/No

Question 4: “Based on your current conditions and the outcome of the National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers are you prepared to partake in collective action involving disaffiliation and demonstration of discontent - this could include refusal to acknowledge funders and university affiliation in research publications and presentations. It could also involve communication of discontent at conferences and in teaching roles.” Options: Yes/No

Question 5: “Based on your current conditions and the outcome of the National Review of State Supports for PhD Researchers are you prepared to partake in collective action short of withdrawal of labour - this could include: work-to-rule, withdrawal of other academic supports given to university (e.g. maths or writing support centres, open days), protest, direct action targeting revenue generating activities of universities.” Options: Yes/No

If you are interested in campaigning on a particular side of this referendum please contact the UCDSU Returning Officer by email at returningoffice@ucdsu.ie.

This decision was taken by the Union Executive on delegated authority from Union Council, outlined in section 9.1 of the Constitution, to coincide with the ballots taking place across other Students’ Unions to maximise engagement. UCD Students’ Union have a mandate, which was passed in April 2023, to support and platform the work of the Postgraduate Workers Organisation(PWO).

On Monday 16th, Union Council will vote on whether to ratify the Union Executive’s decision to put forward this Consultative Referendum.