Labour stands with BIMM lecturers in fight for fair pay and job security
Labour stands with BIMM lecturers in fight for fair pay and job security - The Labour Party
Labour’s Further and Higher Education Spokesperson, Senator Laura Harmon, has condemned BIMM’s proposed restructuring, which will see the replacement of existing lecturer roles with a smaller number of part-time ‘senior lecturer’ positions while introducing freelance ‘associate lecturer’ posts.
Senator Harmon said:
“Labour stands in full solidarity with BIMM lecturers taking industrial action against a restructuring plan that will force many into precarious, freelance positions with no job security, employment protections, or stable hours. The associate lecturer model being proposed is deeply concerning and risks undermining the teaching profession.
“BIMM plays a vital role in Ireland’s music industry. It is a place where emerging artists hone their craft, receive professional mentorship, and build careers. The quality of education and student experience depends on the expertise and stability of its teaching staff. This restructuring will undermine both.
“The IFUT has rightly raised concerns about the exploitative nature of BIMM’s proposals. Replacing secure jobs with freelance contracts is a race to the bottom that cannot be allowed to take hold in our education system. Lecturers deserve fair pay, stable conditions, and the respect that their work merits.
“This strike is about more than BIMM—it is about the future of higher education in Ireland. The trend towards insecure, short-term contracts in our colleges and universities is eroding the profession and creating unacceptable working conditions for lecturers. Government must take action to ensure that all educators, regardless of institution, have access to stable employment and fair conditions.
“I am calling on BIMM management to engage in meaningful negotiations with IFUT immediately. BIMM must recognise the value of its lecturers and commit to providing fair contracts and job security.”