11/05/2006

Universities pay dispute faces 'meltdown'

The higher education sector is 'facing meltdown' over a dispute over lecturers pay, a union leader has warned.

Speaking at the Association of University Teachers council in Scarborough, AUT General Secretary Sally Hunt, urged employers to listen to their staff over the dispute. She said: "It is still not too late to make us an offer that reflects what we are worth. The money is there and even they accept that now."

The AUT has refused a pay increase of 12.6% over three years and a boycott of exam marking is continuing.

The Universities and Colleges' Employers Association had increased the pay offer to 12.6% over three years, from 3% for two years.

However, lecturers' unions rejected the offer - they are calling for a figure closer to 25% in order to make up for declining earnings over the last two decades.

Talks broke down between higher education unions and the Universities and Colleges' Employers Association on Monday.

However, Ms Hunt said: "I am prepared to do whatever I can to resolve the dispute." But, she added that the only way to resolve the dispute was through a national settlement between the unions and UCEA.

Ms Hunt said: "Pay remains a defining issue for this union, especially when those in charge are so out of touch. Thirty years ago, when most of our Vice Chancellors were still young academics, doctors earned just £600 more than the highest paid lecturer. Now, GPs are on an average of £30,000 more. Further proof if it were needed that the so-called leaders of our sector have presided over a collapse in the pay and status of university staff. They may not care, but I for one am not prepared to shrug my shoulders and say nothing can be done."

(KMcA)

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