Motion calls for Triesman to resign

Activists at the Association of University Teachers have called for the resignation of union general secretary David Triesman after his decision to suspend industrial action.

The extent of their fury with the AUT leadership over this year's pay negotiations became clear this week with the publication of motions to the union's winter council.

These include calls to disband the entire negotiating team, criticism of the announcement that action had ended as too "triumphalist" and demands that further industrial action should follow.

Demands for Mr Triesman's resignation come from AUT representatives at Aberdeen, while Queen Mary and Westfield members want the national negotiating team disbanded. Cardiff representatives propose that industrial action over pay and conditions should be based on a strategy of "no graduates in 2000".

The council, which unusually will be closed to the press, will receive reports of the 1999 salary negotiations, agree the 2000-2001 pay claim and receive the association's submission to the second comprehensive spending review.

Motions covering next year's pay claim include suggestions for a flat pay rise of Pounds 1,500 and commitments to convert fixed-term contracts to indefinite contracts and correct disparities between different categories of staff.