tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63129903017121571332012-02-16T14:42:29.448ZRogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.comBlogger691100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-86713587532766124822007-03-08T12:51:00.001Z2007-03-08T12:51:59.649Z

International Women’s DayOn International Women’s Day, just one month before the new positive Gender Duty comes into force, here are eight facts from UCU’s Comprehensive Spending Review submission.1. In 2005, for higher education teaching professionals, for every £1 earned by a male, their female colleagues earned 83 pence.2. For further education teaching professionals, for every £1 earned by a

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-24249079687412024522007-03-08T10:02:00.000Z2007-03-08T10:04:32.961Z

That ballot resultVoting closed today at midday. The result will be known at 10.45am on Friday 9th March.Here is a curiosity.General Secretary candidates are to be excluded from the count for the UCU GS election later this week.This is not on advice from The Electoral Reform Society which is conducting the ballot or the Trade Union Certification Officer who is responsible for the statutory

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-1565096863244075992007-03-08T10:01:00.000Z2007-03-08T10:02:34.089Z

What’s climate change got to do with UCU?I’ve just heard that a UCU branch may be submitting a motion on sustainability to UCU’s Congress in Bournemouth in June.I hope they do.And before I get emails saying “what’s this got to do with my union subscriptions”, let me explain why.One. Climate change doesn’t have a UCU members' exclusion zone. It affects us all – union members or not, our families

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-54993459592551723862007-03-06T10:26:00.000Z2007-03-06T10:27:21.258Z

Digby Jones – an apologyIn a sentence the Guardian sub-editors removed for reasons of length from my article on further education last Tuesday I described Digby Jones as “aka the fox in the chicken shed of further education”.I think I may have overstated my case. One of the more encouraging messages – amongst many received – for the very successful ESOL Lobby of Parliament last week was one from

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-84398189574639071062007-03-06T10:23:00.001Z2007-03-06T10:23:59.617Z

Trade unions and the BNPI started to catch up with an email backlog after several weeks of combining doing my “day job” with running an election campaign – and having a week away on compassionate leave.One of the emails that caught my eye was a European Human Rights Court judgment that has determined that trade unions are permitted to expel BNP members. The European Court of Human Rights that

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-25262274451940039542007-03-05T10:58:00.000Z2007-03-05T10:59:32.937Z

Paul Mackney and a number of members of UCU have sent messages of protest to the Home Office against the deportation of Alphonsus Uche Okafor-Mefor who is in imminent danger of torture or death if returned to Nigeria. The protest grew out of the Save ESOL campaign and is already having some impact as he was removed from the plane that was due to take him back this week. Please support him by

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-809304001405083412007-03-05T10:54:00.000Z2007-03-05T10:55:32.505Z

Dundee: There is no magic answer but those who don’t dare don’t winI have today received this email from Carlo Morelli and colleagues at Dundee University who have run a vigorous campaign against substantial compulsory redundancies.I reproduce the statement Carlo, Mona, Paul and colleagues have issued. Congratulations to them – a lesson to us all I think – and we would do well to ponder how and

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-72179418298373872652007-03-05T10:50:00.000Z2007-03-05T10:58:40.899Z

Rights and wrongsIt is impossible to understand how Tony and Gordon think Labour will be re-elected if they filibuster a simple piece of legislation supported designed to give some basic employment rights to agency workers. Yet that is just what Jim Fitzpatrick, junior minister and former firefighter’s union rep did tonight.To make things worse, I spoke last night at a packed meeting in Committee

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-33966185553450836942007-03-02T11:33:00.002Z2007-03-02T11:34:40.643Z

Higher education funding, market forces and DundeeThe Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has announced an overall 6.4% cash increase in funding in 2007- 2008 compared to 2006-07.The key elements of this are as follows:1. The funding is above the rate of inflation but the rise parallels the rise in student numbers so there will be little scope to address staff student ratios

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-26884270824404549262007-03-02T11:33:00.001Z2007-03-02T11:33:51.798Z

Rain soaked lobby rattles MinistersI flew back overnight from my family funeral in Johannesburg and spoke at the lunchtime rally in Committee Room 14 at the House of Commons.The following message has since been sent to everyone who lobbied their MPs today, despite the pouring rain, over the cuts to ESOL provision.Dear friends and colleaguesThank you for very much for participating in the

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-10659592511287879002007-02-27T10:50:00.001Z2007-03-01T10:43:19.843Z

A grand man passes onBy the time this is posted I will be in South Africa. My father in law Isaac Matlare died on Sunday and I am taking our two daughters to his funeral on Saturday in Johannesburg. My wife Naledi is already there.Ike was a proud, intelligent, humourous, principled black socialist. He survived persecution at the hands of apartheid, having been a leader of the teachers union and

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-76661751025648334812007-02-27T10:49:00.003Z2007-02-27T10:49:58.337Z

INTO a messWe have learnt that Newcastle University who have entered into a PFI type deal with INTO, the privatisation cheerleaders in higher education failed to meet their statutory duties under the Race Relations Amendment Act. The University were in such a hurry to clinch the deal that they failed to complete a race impact assessment or disability impact assessment prior to the transfer of

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-50568957783439880242007-02-27T10:49:00.001Z2007-02-27T10:49:20.961Z

Deep disillusionI visited Keele University today for only the second time since I graduated there well over 30 years ago. Most of the Nissan huts are gone but the grubby students’ union building remains. The campus has more than doubled.I was visiting for an election hustings. What struck me was how deeply the shambolic end to last year’s dispute had affected good activists. It has weakened the

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-2237708580011232462007-02-20T15:16:00.001Z2007-02-20T15:16:50.969Z

Pounds in their eyes“The lecturer who doggedly pursued an embezzlement scandal has been vindicated”.Guardian Education 20th FebruaryThat lecturer is Dave Gibson, UCU branch secretary at Barnsley College, an English lecturer, a socialist and man of principle whose determination to expose wrong doing and corruption at his college culminated in success last week when a key culprit was jailed.Peter

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-87169778539255147982007-02-19T10:48:00.002Z2007-02-19T10:49:12.278Z

Scotland’s HE in continuing turmoilI have received the following letter which completes the earlier posting about Dundee’s campaign against redundancies and financial incompetence.“Dear all,I'm sorry to again clog up the mailing list with this kind of plea, but our efforts have so far had such an impact, that the Principal of Glasgow University has been taken aback about the level of support the

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-79440168675667136492007-02-19T10:48:00.001Z2007-02-19T10:48:36.966Z

Thanks to healthcare academics for their support!The following letter is being circulated. Please feel free to pass onto to all UCU members working in health care departments in whatever professional capacity.“Dear colleagueWe are health care academics and UCU members. Like other UCU members we will be voting in the election for General Secretary of UCU.We have considered the manifestos of the

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-30481277771083535282007-02-19T10:47:00.000Z2007-02-19T10:48:08.234Z

Education and fascismI contributed to a workshop at the excellent Unite against Fascism conference held at the TUC today. Quite rightly UCU has focussed its attention on the racism which exists in many aspects of post 16 education and in seeking ways to challenge it.But we should not forget the need to pay attention to the attempts by the British National Party to grow in colleges and

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-9550030770278170662007-02-19T10:43:00.000Z2007-02-19T10:47:38.568Z

Rammell and I“The government keeps telling immigrants to learn English but won't pay for it”The Economist 15th February 2007.The campaign to reverse the Governments foolish policy on radically cutting access to ESOL courses gathers pace.Our latest ally comes in the slightly surprising shape of the Economist magazine which sharply criticises Government policy. You can find the article at http://

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-26347476940942029872007-02-16T10:50:00.001Z2007-02-16T10:50:47.034Z

And on a related matter………….“A lot of academic related staff can’t see what the new union has done for them so far. What assurances can you give about what you would do to allay these fears?”Dorothy – at UCL hustings todayA lot of different groups within UCU feel anxious about their position within the new union and I understand why. Academic related staff we a large minority of AUT membership

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-66551562602227790792007-02-16T10:45:00.000Z2007-02-16T10:51:27.354Z

Politics and campaigns“Isn’t there a problem with UCU being too involved in politics? Does that make it harder to gain wide support for our campaigns?”Lecturer, Bristol University.UCU isn’t affiliated to any political party. Neither were AUT or NATFHE. I think that is right.However I do think UCU has to be involved in politics because much of further and higher education is determined or

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-52277287344151438992007-02-14T11:51:00.002Z2007-02-16T10:48:51.385Z

No comment – some justice at lastThe following report was issue by the Press Association yesterday. We should all salute the integrity and courage of Dave Gibson, UCU branch secretary at Barnsley college, victimised by the jailed former Principal who has recovered from the health impact of his outrageous treatment. Dave was back in excellent form when I spoke to the Barnsley branch before Xmas.

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-9072931672566684982007-02-14T11:51:00.001Z2007-02-14T11:51:56.639Z

Murphy’s law stinksUCU issued the following press release today. Just how bad Government policy on ESOL has become is shown by the welcome this latest move got from the BNP.'Government hypocrisy' say lecturers, as benefits may be cut for those not learning EnglishThe government has been accused of hypocrisy over its plan to withhold state benefits from jobless people who are unable to speak

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-54063810267262769592007-02-14T11:50:00.000Z2007-02-14T11:51:15.619Z

What a load of ballots“My ballot papers have arrived. They are a nightmare. Aren’t you worried the sheer size and complexity will deter members from voting at all?”Theresa, CoventryI am. I was not involved in the discussion about the process of balloting. It think it is a real mistake not to separate out the General secretary election. It is the election that will decisively affect how the union

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-17884857329365597152007-02-13T11:14:00.001Z2007-02-09T14:33:30.088Z

Endowed with inequalityEveryone working in further and higher education knows:1. Post 16 education is under funded.2. Funding is unevenly distributed3. That class and race remain important factors in getting to university4. A small number of Russell Group universities have significant endowments which top up their other sources of funding.So what have the Government done? Have they had a

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-88901277289490430032007-02-09T09:34:00.000Z2007-02-09T10:28:54.347Z

INTO history – today is a sorry dayThe saga of the privatisation of university language centres continues. Today, at breakneck speed, UCU members at the Newcastle University language centre will be transferred to their new employer.A sad day for UCU, as well as for the members.As I have said before, the petition launched should be supported but it is a great pity we didn’t do more in the ten

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-64626083701813701102007-02-09T09:33:00.000Z2007-02-09T09:33:40.828Z

Pensions, pensioners and elder care“What will you do about the position of those of us who are heading for retirement or who have responsibility for older relatives and close friends.”Norman – retired memberUCU has large numbers of members who will soon be retired. We also have a valuable group of retired members. This is an important issue.Firstly, we should do everything in our power to defend

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-2690727628328356042007-02-09T09:31:00.000Z2007-02-09T09:31:21.079Z

“Delivering Equality, Promotion, salary, contract and seniority should be based on ability not gender, age, race or anything else. This is an issue for everyone and UCU must do better at explaining its importance to members in terms that are inclusive rather than excluding”Sally Hunt – election manifesto GS election.Equality is central to the mission of our new union. Equality in post 16

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-51308171907522629482007-02-09T09:29:00.000Z2007-02-06T10:07:59.990Z

Health Education"There are thousands of health educators in UCU membership. What are you going to do to support us?"Susan, Bradford UniversityThe briefing posted on my web site summarises my views. I worked for many years as a trade unionist representing health service staff, firstly for the Health Visitors Association, and then as Head of health for MSF (now Amicus). My wife is a health visitor,

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-37360524456205848992007-02-06T10:02:00.000Z2007-02-09T10:52:02.228Z

Dundee puddingAbout fifteen years ago I was responsible for Alan Langlands, now Principal of Dundee University. He was then the head of the NHS Executive and missed much of the FA Cup Final as he scrabbled around to respond to a press conference I had called earlier that day when I was head of Labour Relations at the Health Visitors association. The press conference was called to announce the

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-34771653210587036202007-02-06T10:01:00.000Z2007-02-09T10:29:40.831Z

Academic freedom – not an abstract issueThe Guardian has just confirmed it will be publishing the following letter from me tomorrow:“Your report (Scientist offered cash to dispute climate study, February 2) of an ExxonMobil-funded think-tank's efforts to discredit scientific findings on climate change and recent attempts by the US government to remove phrases like "global warming" from scientific

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-68410073440748873202007-02-06T10:00:00.000Z2007-02-09T09:51:31.560Z

No planet, no post 16 education, no trade unionIt is time for UCU and other unions to take our responsibilities for the environment more seriously. If the planet continues changing for the worse then our work as a trade union will be in vain.That’s not a cry of despair. It should be a call to action – that we as a union should unite with others in making climate change a campaign we join.One of

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-10213675103373393682007-02-05T10:36:00.000Z2007-02-05T10:37:44.712Z

On Oklahoma! and educationI spent Friday evening at my daughters’ school watching a stunning production of Oklahoma, the classic Rodgers and Hammerstein musical. Laura was in the chorus and Leah helped with the set.The singing of Curly (Daniel Farrugia) and Laurey (Stella Charalambous) and the acting of Luke Anthony Muslim as the peddler was really really good but what struck me most was that the

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-80459524964683617142007-02-02T09:10:00.000Z2007-02-02T09:11:33.642Z

Repetitive Strain InjuryI am an academic related member of staff. A number of colleagues have experienced problems with sore wrists and elbows which they think is due to heavy use of PCs as part of their job. What sort of support can UCU give us?Peter, Central LondonOne of the immediate benefits of the merger has been an improvement in the health and safety support that branches and Local

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-48492092644979965552007-02-01T10:50:00.000Z2007-02-01T10:51:26.208Z

Privatisation – now it’s FE too“Our FE agenda is not about wholesale privatisation and the vast bulk of provision will remain in the public sector. But we are interested in the right circumstances in looking at new models which will release more of providers’ energy to focus on improvements and meeting the needs of learners and employers”Bill Rammell – Minister of State for Lifelong Learning,

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-39420568220344809322007-01-30T12:32:00.000Z2007-01-30T12:33:05.529Z

UCU members stand up for disabled children – support the lobbyBefore Xmas I spoke at a tremendous public meeting in Redhill Surrey at the invitation of our members working at the RNIB Redhill College. The meeting, which was packed with local people and parents, heard a sorry tale about how the Royal National Institute of the Blind is trying to close part of one of its two further education

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-19010100718002001922007-01-30T11:19:00.002Z2007-01-30T11:25:51.929Z

Tremendous show of solidarity by UCU members in Northern Ireland FEFive hundred FE lecturers – 1 in 5 of our membership in Northern Ireland - marched through Belfast today in a striking demonstration of the strength of feeling over the miserable failure of Peter Hain to ensure a 2001 pay agreement is implemented.I had the pleasure of joining them at a thunderous rally. This was the sixth day of

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-14156670133483461192007-01-30T11:19:00.001Z2007-01-30T11:19:56.056Z

First academic analysis of the 2006 HE pay disputeI’ve just been alerted to the publication of the first academic analysis of the 2006 higher education pay dispute.I have already been interviewed by three academic researchers looking at the dispute so far. Dr Carter is a well known industrial relations researcher and teacher who has a long history of writing on union organising strategies.I

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-45012606583340944992007-01-30T11:18:00.000Z2007-01-30T11:19:10.482Z

Big Brother, bullying and post 16 education“Bullying appears to be an acceptable form of management in our college. What would you do about it if you became general secretary?”Lynne, Manchester FE lecturerThe Health and Safety Executive estimates that bullying costs UK employers 80 million lost working days and £2 billions in lost revenueBullying is widespread in post 16 education. Numerous

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-71246242862007302422007-01-29T10:06:00.001Z2007-01-29T10:06:42.208Z

First the good newsCongratulations to the UCU Higher Education Committee on its speedy and decisive response to the threats to privatise university language centres.The Committee today endorsed a robust motion calling for full and vigorous support to all branches and local associations seeking to stop the activities of INTO – the vehicle whereby property entrepreneur Andrew Colin is seeking to

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-42389505977604379212007-01-25T11:04:00.000Z2007-01-25T11:06:08.666Z

A question of leadership – privatisation“We feel we are simply not getting any national support in our campaign against the privatisation of our university language centre. Our regional official has been great but we have had no national legal advice despite repeated requests, no visit from a senior national official, not a single press release, and no sign whatsoever of a national campaign. This

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-43769685051626733972007-01-24T10:08:00.000Z2007-01-24T10:09:59.586Z

Pay errataSally has announced she will only be doing seven more election hustings and is establishing a virtual hustings. I have therefore written to Sally to pick up on a couple of statements on pay made at the hustings held so far.I am publishing the letter here and undertake to publish her reply on my web site.Dear SallyPay and the election hustingsYou’ve made a couple of points on pay in the

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-31878972596466284402007-01-22T12:49:00.000Z2007-01-22T12:50:26.953Z

Tags and mystery shopping“Why are colleges and universities obsessed with the wrong type of management?”David – London College of Fashion (university of the Arts)In one paper a few days ago I mentioned one major university that now requires its academic staff to carry mobile phones on which they are contactable at any time with “spot checks” by two named members of staff to make sure staff are

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-45653190326975224502007-01-22T12:48:00.000Z2007-01-22T12:49:11.375Z

Taking science seriouslyDoing some maths and science homework with my daughter this morning reminded me of how they canboth be fun. It's a real tragedy that for too many children school lessons have become learning the content of the national curriculum without it being fun, exciting or challenging.Our daughters are lucky, their science and maths teachers are good. But it's no wonder school

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-53529431480408696502007-01-22T12:46:00.000Z2007-01-22T12:48:29.556Z

“What do you think the two most important competencies for the job of general secretary are?”Question asked at the Cardiff hustingsThe first one is the proven ability to work collegially – less “I” and more “we”. We have to apply to ourselves the standards of management and governance we expect of those we negotiate with – or we stand accused of being hypocrites.That means encouraging debate and

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-19785936290375760932007-01-22T12:45:00.000Z2007-01-22T12:46:44.826Z

The green, green grass of WalesCan the whole of the UK draw lessons from what has happened to FE pay in Wales?Question at Cardiff hustingsA wet Friday night in Cardiff was not ideal weather for a hustings, but questions provoked a lively discussion.Whereas the “locust years” following incorporation in England have been followed by “contestability”, a narrowing of the curriculum, an attack on

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-15558854868210312342007-01-22T12:44:00.000Z2007-01-22T12:45:49.699Z

Fees - ensuring class regulates access to educationTuition fees for undergraduates in England will have to rise to £6,000 a year or more to cover teaching costs, according to a Guardian survey of university vice-chancellors and senior staff.It reveals growing unease about the funding system which came into force last autumn, with suggestions that some science courses could cost students up to

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-84665099096019484872007-01-22T12:43:00.000Z2007-01-22T12:44:55.464Z

Academic related staff“Since NATFHE didn’t really recruit academic related staff how do we know you’d look after our interests?”Librarian – BirminghamIt’s true that NATFHE didn’t recruit academic-related staff on the scale that AUT did. That was primarily because UNISON was the recognised union for these staff in FE and in post-92 institutions.Nevertheless NATFHE did have several hundred

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-33469774703235227872007-01-17T10:16:00.000Z2007-01-18T12:36:55.623Z

On the road againEight hustings in three days. East Midlands yesterday. Scotland today.It feels a bit like those alleged American tourist trips - 14 European capitals in 10 days.It's fairly tiring and I already miss my fantastic wife Naledi and our two daughters Lauran,13, and Leah 11. Naledi has a very full time NHS job and we normally plan childcare, homework support and activity chauffeuring

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-19548817605847284022007-01-16T14:07:00.000Z2007-01-18T12:31:36.645Z

Mind boggling foolishness on ESOLUp with the larks – or before them – to do an interview on the Today programme about the campaign launch of the ESOL campaign arranged over the weekend.Phoned at 05.42 to be told item pushed off the bulletin. Rats. Story running on Radio Five Live though.Excellent afternoon meeting at UCU to formally launch the campaign, with large range of organisations and many

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-31102795117240884372007-01-15T11:15:00.000Z2007-01-18T12:39:10.526Z

Growing old disgracefully“Families face a growing burden of care for elderly and disabled relatives and most people will have to pay for their own support services in old age as the state’s role shrinks”Forecast of Commission for Social Care Inspection reportI caught up with this and a raft of other articles on getting older and caring for the elderly as I got ready to visit my mum in her

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-15046532395468707362007-01-15T11:12:00.001Z2007-01-18T12:42:34.186Z

Pay porkies?“This year’s Higher Education Pay and Prices Index shows that less inflation was experienced by universities than has been the case for some time. However, this is mainly caused by the fact that items related to salaries, which make up a large part of the weighting of the index showed a low increase”UUK research report Higher Education Pay and Prices Index July 2006So the cat is out

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-5692366997845765562007-01-15T11:11:00.000Z2007-01-18T12:46:37.024Z

Workloads and the employer’s duty of care“I’m contracted to do 24 hours teaching a week but I only work 21 hours. It’s not clear how this feat is to be achieved”Lecturer, City College NorwichI spent part of Friday with members at Norwich City College who face a management making quite impossible workload demands on staff following the attempt to impose a new contract. Despite the branch managing

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-30486993485019360652007-01-11T10:39:00.002Z2007-01-18T12:49:57.005Z

Fair criticism or a step too far?Some very dubious emails are circulating widely within UCU about my views on Israel. I think they go well beyond what is a reasonable tone. I’m putting a link to them on my web site so you can make your own mind up.The emails acknowledge that I don’t support the academic boycott of Israel but go on to suggest that because I think it is quite legitimate for UCU

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-56281737700401578362007-01-11T10:39:00.001Z2007-01-15T09:23:16.538Z

Should the UCEA pay letter of 10th May 2006 be removed from my web site?I’ve had a request from UCEA the employers’ organisation to remove from my web site http://www.rogerkline.org.uk/ the May 10th 2006 letter on pay that was sent to all employers.I have politely replied that I am happy to put a disclaimer on the site pointing out the letter is UCEA copyright but since it has already had very

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-83253316812280781312007-01-10T10:40:00.000Z2007-01-10T14:40:42.564Z

“Why doesn’t UCU spend more time trying to convince the wider public that what we do is a 'good' thing? Until we do won’t we have difficulty on issues like pay and workloads.”Sue – Senior Lecturer, LiverpoolI agree we have to spend more time on explaining better what we do and how society benefits. To do that most effectively I think we need to have a strategic view of the link between our self

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-52109579132293609872007-01-09T14:34:00.001Z2007-01-09T16:59:42.400Z

“Vice Chancellors could band together to negotiate the academic pay levels best suited to their type of institution under an option being considered by employers”Times Higher January 5th 2007.The front page lead article (from which this quote is taken) is about how the employers are seriously considering “consortia bargaining”.“Consortia bargaining” is a half way house to local bargaining. I

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-66943390911273139482007-01-09T14:27:00.001Z2007-01-09T14:27:36.710Z

“What is the union doing about climate change, dad?”Laura, 13.Err, not a lot at the moment, not nearly enough. Not much point in getting better pay terms and conditions if the planet is becoming uninhabitable.So, about two months ago I sent a circular to all health and safety reps inviting suggestions on what UCU – and they - might start to consider doing on the wider environment beyond the

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-33053203836098159182007-01-09T14:26:00.002Z2007-01-09T14:27:06.027Z

“This looks like an argument about losing a few minutes break a day, but actually what management have done is the last straw.”Neil – City and Islington CollegeNeil and about 100 colleagues were on picket lines at the Camden Road and Finsbury Park sites of Camden and Islington colleges for their one hour stoppage yesterday. The dispute is about a further intensification of work and the one hour

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-66499607901974866452007-01-09T14:25:00.002Z2007-01-09T14:26:01.058Z

Asylum seekers and hypocrisy“Why isn’t UCU doing more to stop the cuts in ESOL provision”Wendy, London FEThe Guardian reported last week that the Children’s Society has joined the growing list of The Incredulous – organisations and individuals who simply cannot understand why Ministers intend to axe spending on course that even weeks ago Ministers were praising to the skies.Foreigners applying

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-4953079022459494872007-01-09T14:25:00.001Z2007-01-09T14:25:38.824Z

Privatisation and education“You may have heard that the Language Centre (LC) here at Newcastle is effectively being privatised. UCU held a 50 strong lobby (mainly LC staff and students) in opposition to these proposals last week. The University and VC have effectively ignored this lobby. He also mentions in his message that the company responsible (INTO) are forming joint venture companies with

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-20694325364307452562007-01-09T14:24:00.002Z2007-01-09T14:25:11.435Z

Climate change“I’ve not seen a word from any candidates on climate change. Surely UCU should be involved in campaigns on this on they’ll be no higher education system for our grandchildren to graduate from?”Stephanie, South WalesI agree. It is just the sort of “fringe” campaign that we need to make a mainstream one. Our involvement in such a campaign is not an alternative to our “core” work, it

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-26303089393347508272007-01-09T14:24:00.001Z2007-01-09T14:24:50.310Z

Policies not smears will determine who wins this election"The election for general secretary of the University and College Union isn't getting any gentler. An anonymous note sent to Education Guardian seeks to explain what a dreadful fellow Roger Kline, one of the two main candidates, is. He was once a member of the Socialist Workers party and "has kept very close links since, has he not?" His

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-27153300797762209902007-01-09T14:23:00.002Z2007-01-09T14:24:10.310Z

Happy FeetWe took our two daughters to see Happy Feet. Wonderful cartoon, ugly duckling meets Motown and tackles global warming?Highly recommended for adults!

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-24087517522961424282007-01-09T14:23:00.001Z2007-01-09T14:23:42.706Z

Should UCU join campaigns on foreign wars?“Judgement day” – Observer headline on the execution of Saddam HusseinWhat a mess. I don’t support capital punishment. I have been a member of Amnesty International for two decades.Saddam was a butcher guilty of crimes against humanity. But where were those now quietly applauding his death when he gassed the Kurdish people and murdered thousands of others

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-84887442214110338082007-01-09T14:22:00.002Z2007-01-09T14:23:10.032Z

Anti-semitism and UCU“What is UCU going to do about anti-semitism on campus? Doesn’t UCU hostility to Israel make things worse?”UCU is utterly opposed to anti-semitism. I can speak from personal experience of being subjected to it, but I have no doubt whatsoever where UCU stands on this issue.If you have any doubts, you can read the excellent NATFHE publication, the Submission to the

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-72103448087507939222007-01-09T14:22:00.001Z2007-01-09T14:22:41.992Z

Are we serious about tackling racism?“I think UCU has a long way to go to prove it is serious about tacking racism in education”I agree.I read this as James Brown’s funeral headed for the Apollo today. The Godfather’s anthem Say it Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud was a turning point for some black Americans and for others. Songs can have more power than speeches.British race discrimination is

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-16835874726657793092007-01-09T14:21:00.000Z2007-01-09T14:22:05.654Z

Structures which get in the way of democracy?“Don’t we need to move away from the sort of bureaucratic structures unions have to a system when many more members’ views can be heard?”Susan, Birmingham UniversityWe need to involve many more members actively in the union, but should beware we don’t, so to speak, throw out the baby with the bathwater.For example, TV news today had Labour Party chair

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-31481826073345839152007-01-09T14:20:00.000Z2007-01-09T14:21:28.195Z

Paperwork, paperwork, paperwork“Why doesn’t UCU make more of a priority of tackling the vast amounts of useless administration we have to put up with? As the Xmas holidays approach I’ll be spending hours on paperwork that cannot possibly benefit me or my students.”Ken – London South Bank UniversityI got this email before Xmas but read it on the day that the Guardian published a sharp commentary

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6312990301712157133.post-40898241009699878552006-12-08T15:55:00.000Z2006-12-08T16:47:54.534Z

During a tour of the regions over recent weeks I’ve heard how conflicting government priorities impact on lecturers’ working lives: job security, workloads, professionalism and pensions were amongst issues considered most urgent to address. Members need a union that will involve and enable them, develop networks and stand up to employers and government to insist on the best working conditions.

Rogerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08044399414688583561noreply@blogger.com2