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Contrasting approaches in HE pay talks

University and college employers today welcomed the constructive progress made in negotiations with the four unions representing higher education support staff. But they were surprised that, despite a significant shift in the employers’ position, the academic staff unions, AUT and NATFHE, refused to minimise the risk of long-term damage to students caused by their assessment boycott.

In discussions facilitated by ACAS, the employers had made clear that:
• an offer of pay increases totalling 6% over two years was on the table
• they wanted AUT and NATFHE to join the formal negotiations so an improved offer could be made to all unions within the next week (including exploration of a possible three year deal), and
• they were aiming to secure a settlement acceptable to all parties within a fortnight.

So as to join these negotiations the employers asked AUT and NATFHE to protect the future position of students by setting and marking examinations, even if they chose to withhold the marks until a settlement is reached; or, at the very least, to suspend the other elements of their industrial action (eg refusing to cover for absent colleagues).

Jocelyn Prudence, Chief Executive of UCEA, said:

“We were very surprised that despite the employers making clear our readiness to improve on the 6% offer previously tabled and our willingness to be flexible on negotiating arrangements, the AUT and NATFHE refused the opportunity to avoid risk of long-term damage to students.”

In contrast, negotiations between employers and the four support staff unions made constructive progress towards a pay settlement which would apply from August 2006. In particular they agreed on the need for a settlement to address the needs of the lowest-paid staff in the sector, and to reinforce local implementation of the Framework Agreement regarding the principle of equal pay for work of equal value and involvement of all recognised unions. Further detailed discussions on these points will be held over the next week.

Geoffrey Copland, Chair of UCEA, said:

“We welcome the constructive approach adopted by the support staff unions in these negotiations and believe that we will be able to reach agreement with them on a settlement which is acceptable to both sides, well before pay increases are due in August.”

A further meeting is being arranged for early May, when it is hoped that the academic staff unions will join the formal negotiations. Meanwhile, those unions and the employers will be reflecting further on their positions and ACAS will facilitate further talks next week.