The Union
WHAT IS THE STUDENTS' UNION DOING FOR YOU?
Following a meeting of the Student Council in the Union earlier this month, the Union has a policy to support the national pay claims of lecturers nationally, but to actively campaign against the local AUT in the actions that they have taken. Your Union President, Pete Goodman has been meeting members of the AUT executive each week and Tom Wellingham, you Media Officer has also been meeting with them and the National AUT Executive Members. We have been frustrated by the national element to the dispute, as our own Vice Chancellor went on record in the Times Higher newspaper on 14 April declaring a preference for local negotiation and bargaining. The AUT at Cardiff have thankfully set all examinations. The Union Executive continues to meet with Senior Managers and Directors of the University urging resolution to the situation. Pete Goodman also regularly meets with the Vice Chancellor for additional updates on the situation. He has taken these opportunities to discuss the issues facing students with the Vice Chancellor, who has also made it clear than he wants a conclusion to dispute.The Union will continue to work on your behalf.
To quote Noel Edmunds' show: “Deal or No Deal - we're waiting for the banker.”
Cardiff University Students' Union position on AUT
The Students' Union supports the AUT's claim for increased pay and the one-day strike which look place on February 7 2006. However, the Students' Union does not support the assessment boycott, as it may be highly disruptive to students' educations. The Students' Union calls on the University and the AUT to do all in their powers to ensure the national negotiations are engaged in and that the dispute is brought to a speedy end. The Students' Union also calls upon Cardiff AUT not to use assessment boycotts as part of the industrial action, as they are detrimental to students and their education.The formal policy passed by Student Council on 24 April 2006 is:
The AUT Action Short of a Strike
Student Council Notes:
That the AUT (Association of University Teachers) and NATFHE (The University and College Lecturers Union) called a strike for 7th March 2006 and action short of a strike began on the 8th March after the employers' organisation failed to make a pay offer to the Trade Unions.
That pay in universities has eroded against similar professions by 40% over the past two decades.
That there will be an extra 25% of funding across the higher education sector over the next 3 years.
That the AUT has consistently supported the campaign against fees and has continues to argue that increased fees are not helpful to higher education or lecturers' pay.
Student Council Believes:
That good working conditions and pay levels are necessary for academic staff, if a high standard of education is to be upheld.
That it is important to stand united with university staff over higher education funding issues, whether it be against cut-backs or against increased fees.
That the employers' organisation has left the AUT and NATFHE with little choice but to proceed with industrial action.
Student Council Resolves:
To support the AUT and NATFHE's claims for better lecturers' pay nationally.
However, we strongly condemn the AUT and NATFHE's method of targeting students' lectures and assessments before the exam period to make their views heard with their employers.
To become a signatory to the letter of 6 April to Sally Hunt, General Secretary of the AUT, which has been signed by 34 Unions nationwide.
To campaign against the AUT and NATFHE local Cardiff branches' industrial actions.
To encourage students to complain to the University and to send a copy of their work pending assessment to the Vice-Chancellor.
To invite a representative of the AUT to speak at a relevant Student Council meeting to give a brief update on the dispute.
SUPPORT
The Students' Union exists to provide an advice and representation service for our members. Therefore, if you would like to come and talk to one of the Sabbatical Officers, then they are located on the 3rd Floor of the Students' Union or via MedClub at the Heath Park Campus.If you would like to talk to one of the Advice and Representation Staff, then please pop into the Union between 9.30-12.30 where they will be happy to provide you with advice and information.
Your main academic and welfare representatives are Gemma Long and Russell Simpson. They are the two College Presidents and can be contacted on 02920 781506.
