As Lawrence asked for details here is what I can gather of the plan for industrial
actuion by the AUT (in the first instance in'Old' UK universities) from the AUT
website - the action bit follows about half way down...

Mike



http://www.aut.org.uk/campaigns/pay/action.htm

In April and May 1999, eligible members of the AUT were balloted on taking
strike action and taking action short of a strike. Members have, through
their votes, confirmed their willingness to take these actions in pursuit of
their 1999 salary claim. They have also confirmed rejection of an
inadequate offer made by employers of 3.5% in response to a claim for the
restoration over an agreed period of slippage in pay amounting to 36%,
starting with a 10% claim this year. Employers have failed to respond to
claims to eliminate systematic gender discrimination in pay, rampant
casualisation, and a number of other factors.
Council authorises the action set out in this document. The action is
directed at achieving an acceptable offer. The action will, from the outset,
demonstrate that the profession will not accept any further erosion in pay or
assault on fundamental values. If the action specified in this document
does not achieve an acceptable offer, it is the intention of the Association
to escalate action.
We are aware that the ballot has, thus far, involved those members entitled
to a settlement on 1 April 1999. But a significant group of Association
members - those working in the 1992 sector - are entitled to a settlement
on 1 September. Employers should be aware that if no acceptable offer is
made, the 1992 group members will also be balloted on industrial action. A
united profession will move into the autumn term equally determined to
achieve a fair deal.
And we will work willingly with all unions in higher education wishing to
secure the fair deal which is so long overdue. Employers should be under
no illusion. A ground-swell of action will build in a united way across higher
education if the dispute continues into the autumn. It is in the hands of vice
chancellors and principals to respond to the initial actions this summer and
to avert the crisis engendered by their obdurate unwillingness to treat their
staff fairly.
The professional staff of higher education have fostered growth in
opportunity on an unprecedented scale. We have battled with diminishing
resources to sustain a world class research and education system. These
accomplishments, set against the background of a massive increase in
workload and senseless bureaucracy, must now be rewarded. We have
delivered all and more than we were asked. The rewards have always been
withheld.
Others in equivalent jobs have prospered while we have been exploited. Our
commitment to higher education has been abused. Enough is enough.
We have discussed the problem with the National Union of Students. They
have been clear and public in their support. A letter from their President,
Andrew Pakes, to the General Secretary is attached to this Circular. It is
solidarity which is deeply appreciated - friendship from good friends. We
pledge ourselves to continue to discuss all developments with NUS.
Strike action
Council authorises the calling of a 24 hour strike on Tuesday, 25
May. All old universities will be picketed on that day.
Strike materials - posters, leaflets, open letters to students and parents
from the general secretary on why the action is necessary and how they
can support it, arm bands, badges and stickers - will be provided centrally.
Model press releases and articles for student and LA newspapers will be
provided.
Advice, including legal advice, will be provided on organising the action and
picketing.
Local associations will need to consider any meetings needed to rally
support before 25 May, and should consider holding an open meeting on
the day of the action. Such meetings should not be held on university
premises if that gives any appearance of members going in to work. If
university premises are used, LAs will ensure that they can gain legal
access to buildings and that entering them does not create the wrong
impression.
Universities should not be assisted by members or LAs in gathering any
information about who took action.
The Executive Committee is instructed to consider calling further strike or
strikes in the early part of the next academic year when all members
across higher education have been balloted and are able to take part as a
unified profession. Plainly, this consideration will take account of any
changes achieved by negotiation which are worthy of being put to
members.
Action short of a strike
Council authorises the following actions:
From1 June, members cease involvement in appraisal, work associated
with teaching quality exercises including those organised by QAA and
Ofsted, administrative work associated with the Research Assessment
Exercise. Further action in respect of this action and other bureaucratic
requirements is set out in item 4.
Itis known that different institutions are at very different points in
examination processes and that no single model will cover all
circumstances. For this reason and to give employers an opportunity to
resolve matters at the earliest opportunity, limited examination
sanctions will start this term. They will demonstrate the intent, if no
progress is made, of systematic sanctions in this area from the time at
which all members across the sector can become involved early in the
next academic session. On four dates in June (at roughly weekly
intervals) selected by the Local Association, members should take no
part whatever in the examinations system - whatever stage or part of
the process has been reached. This is intended to cover the full range
of stages in examinations and assessed course work including informal
and formal meetings of examination boards.
TheAssociation is aware of the differences in recruitment and admissions
processes of various universities. To demonstrate the anger of
members, on four dates in August (at roughly weekly intervals)
selected by the Local Association, members should take no part in
admissions of students for the 1999-2000 session.
From14 June, members will be asked to cease to fill in any forms related
to quality issues, and any other forms designated by the Local
Associations which will impede bureaucratic processes.
Ondesignated dates to be announced at short-notice by the Executive
Committee, members will be asked to unplug phones and not to deal
with any e-mails connected with the administration of their universities.
TheExecutive Committee is instructed to plan a phase of withdrawal from
appropriate institutional meetings (to be selected on the advice of Local
Associations) at the stage when the whole profession is involved early
in the autumn term, in the event of failure to achieve a settlement.

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Mike Crang,
Department of Geography,
Science laboratories,
South rd.,
University of Durham,
Durham. UK
DH1 3LE
tel: 0191 374 2499 Fax: 0191 374 2456
e-mail: [log in to unmask]

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