AUT leaders' pre-emptive strike

The Association of University Teachers seems confused. Its national council decided this week to call a week of action from February 23. The call seems a bit premature given that a headline on the AUT website is still urging members to cast their vote in the industrial action ballot "to return quickly their 'yes' vote papers as the deadline approaches" - which is not until February 11. Moreover, it is unclear whether the action is a protest about low academic pay or the introduction of top-up fees.