EARLY PREDICTIONS were that there would be blood on the ground at the TUI's annual congress in Cork, with the membership still smarting following its rejection of the £66.7 million pay and conditions package under the Programme for Competitiveness and Work.
The executive had recommended the package by a narrow margin.
The blood didn't flow, but there were some scuffles, particularly during an intense special session on the PCW during which the union executive was criticised for the manner in which it pressed for acceptance of the package and its alleged mishandling of the aftermath of its rejection.
Predictably, the Dublin City Post Primary branch was vociferous in its criticism of the executive, though rumours that a motion would be tabled seeking the resignation of general secretary Jim Dorney proved ill founded a more general motion of censure of the executive was tabled.
The executive had certainly campaigned vigorously for a "Yes" vote on the package, allegedly attempting to suppress a circular urging a "No" vote and even going so far as to include the Executive's endorsement of the package on the ballot paper. President Tony Deffely put a brave face on the PCW session, describing it as "a victory for the TUI".
Despite some criticism of the executive, the session certainly gave the TUI negotiators the powers they sought to renegotiate a more favourable pay and early retirement deal under the PCW, including the use of the threat of industrial action as a bargaining tool.
Unfortunately for the executive, congress also instructed it to provide information on both sides of the argument in any future ballot some executive members argued this would oblige the union to present the Department of Education or VEC side in any future dispute..
The passing of the motion caused one executive member to dash down the centre of the congress floor to express his objections, in no uncertain terms, to one of the proposers.
Niamh Bhreathnach arrived shortly after the sometimes stormy PCW session, which had reiterated the membership's rejection of her PCW package and given the executive an industrial action stick to beat her with, if necessary. The Minister for Education looked slightly shell shocked when Deffely produced a fine speech.
Perhaps wisely, Ms Breathnach decided not to stay for lunch.
