That academic pay dispute

[nmg]

This morning, it was Isobel's turn to wake up shouting at the radio. UCU have agreed to put UCEA's offer of 13.1% to their membership (and not, as the BBC put it, agreed to the increase - learn how a democratic union operates!), so the industrial action will be suspended for the duration of the balloting procedure. I can't say that I'm happy with this offer, and will probably vote against accepting it.

surliminal can now look slightly smug for having been able to prepare for her marking. My role in assessment this year has been mainly limited to third year project vivas (which were all rescheduled for tomorrow and Friday, so I'll now be taking part), fourth year research project reports (with a marking deadline of next week) and my half of the second year databases course (for which I've yet to receive the scripts). I predict a very busy few days.

Comments

[zihuatenejo.livejournal.com]

I'm a bit sceptical of the review but thankfully that can of worms will be dealt with long after I've got my doctorate and run. I just simply don't see the two sides being able to agree on an independent review pannel, let alone the figures they come up with.

As for whether the deal will be rejected, I'm hopeful that it won't. My reasoning is there was quite a low turnout in the ballot for strike action, AUT members not taking part in the action (and there are a lot who I've spoken to at Southampton) seem weary of this and want it over with; therefore I suspect that turnout will be higher for this ballot and that will carry the deal.

It is a bit gauling that this is only 0.5% different from the deal that's been on the table all along, and makes me wonder whether we wouldn't be pretty much at the same place without 14 weeks of industrial action causing untold stress and difficulty for students.