lecturers - unity against divisive bosses
WORKERS, JULY 2003 ISSUE
The further and higher education union NATFHE has endorsed a statement which commits the union to work closely with the Association of University Teachers ( AUT). Three weeks earlier the AUT had also endorsed a similar statement.
The unity comes at a critical time, as all unions in higher education - academic, technical and admin - are negotiating with the employers over pay grading.
The employers, in contrast, are seeking to emphasise the differences between and within institutions. Their favourite term is "market supplements" whereby staff in "hard to recruit areas" are given small extra pay supplements while the overall pay levels remain low.
Negotiations are due to end by 1 August, so staff must return in September ready for possible action.