Students call for resumed talks on RTC strike threat

THE Union of Students in Ireland says an all out strike called by clerical, administrative and library staff in the RTCs from next month could have "disastrous effects" for more than 30,000 students.

USI has called on Impact, the union representing the 200 workers involved, and the Department of Education, to resume talks.

USI's education officer, Mr Malcolm Byrne, said last night the overtime ban and a ban on the use of telephones currently operated by Impact members was seriously delaying the payment of grants. He said the present situation highlighted the need for the Department to pay third level grants directly to all students.

Impact has said it will escalate its current action to an all out strike from November 11th. This follows the breakdown of talks on the appointment of additional permanent staff, for which it blames the Department of Finance.

The union and the Department of Education have agreed on the appointment of 80 additional staff, half of whom would be appointed this year. However, talks broke down when the Department of Finance insisted that the remaining 40 posts should not be filled until 1998. It is thought the union would agree to phasing in the remaining appointments in 1997.

Meanwhile, a row has broken out in Dundalk RTC over the college's decision to hold a conferring on All Saints' Day, November 1st, which is traditionally a free day in the RTCs.

The Teachers' Union of Ireland has told its members not to be available for any duties on the day.