The University employs a large number of teaching assistants largely (but not entirely) recruited from postgraduate students. Whereas the NUS has been and continues to be the appropriate union to deal with issues relating to the University as an educational establishment, it is the AUT that is the appropriate union to address issues relating to the University as an employer.
To give an example, a PhD student was offered a post at the University with her supervisor. When the time came to take up the post, the offer was rescinded. Although still a student, it was the AUT that took up the case and negotiated a settlement on the student’s behalf.
Thus the AUT is particularly concerned with conditions of employment - including salary of course - but in addition, with ensuring that the facilities that colleagues need to undertake the work are in fact provided.
Salary has beeen a contentious issue for some time, and it was the AUT that negotiated the current salary levels. The AUT is also in active negotiations with Human Resources to develop a form of contract that will be easier to administer and so make the difficulties that some have experienced over the last two years a thing of the past.
Conditions of employment vary from School to School. In some, the facilities provided are judged reasonable and so conditions are not an issue. In others, there is what seems to be a paucity of provision and thus the conditions become an issue.
We are very interested in hearing about such issues and, when we get a clear picture of what is needed in a particular school we’d have no hesitation in contacting the Head of School to initiate change. Please email Fiona at the UMAUT office.
So, to engage with efforts to improve your conditions of work, and to influence UMAUT’s priorities, please seriously consider joining UMAUT. A union is its members. If the members are active, progress is made: if they are dormant, our efforts are nullified. For further information about how to get more involved please contact Fiona.
And don’t forget - all TAs are entitled to join the University’s Superannuation scheme. Its money in the bank. It costs you 6.35% (tax free), and the university adds 14%. You can't lose. If you need the money when you leave, you can get your contributions back (but then you lose the university’s contributions!). Contact the Pensions Office on 52043.