‘Tech’ relationsreport due

AN independent review of industrial relations at the Londonderry ‘Tech’ will be completed by the end of this month, the Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry has revealed.

The review was instigated by the North West Regional College (NWRC) Governing Body following two reports into redundancy and redeployment.

The Minister explained: “The terms of reference for this review were drawn up by the Department, following consultation with all interested parties. An independent consultant from the Labour Relations Agency’s (LRA) panel of arbitrators was then appointed to conduct the assignment.

“The review will be completed by the end of October. My Department will liaise with all those who have an operational interest in the review’s findings and will ensure that, where appropriate, its recommendations are fully implemented.”

Back in March the Sentinel reported on bad-tempered exchanges at Stormont when ‘Tech’ chiefs Seamus Murphy and Bertie Faulkner appeared before the Employment and Learning Committee to answer questions on a ‘festering’ redundancy dispute at NWRC.

Waterside MLA Pat Ramsey told colleagues how tearful staff at the Strand Road college had told him bosses had “wrecked their lives.”