Calling Nottingham

Contrary to Richard Lee's assertion (Letters, August 20) Nottingham University has consistently refused to negotiate in good faith with the Association of University Teachers. A matter of weeks after signing the national agreement, the university refused to honour its terms.

It has already imposed - without the AUT's agreement - performance-related pay, inferior grading structures and worsened pension arrangements for academic-related staff. Now, having learned nothing from that experience, Nottingham proposes to bypass the AUT and to develop similar proposals for academics via management-selected focus groups.

The situation is serious. Unless there is a negotiated settlement the university will be greylisted from September 20. Yet, it still refuses to talk. For the record, once again, let me say that my union is ready to engage in meaningful negotiations with no preconditions on either side to resolve the situation. But, Mr Lee, it takes two to talk. My office is waiting for your call.

Sally Hunt
General secretary, AUT