AUS-ASTE Amalgamation

Response from Mary Cain:

You are assuming Philip that university staff all wish to argue for a particular funding level for polytechnics. Well, I for one do not. I want my union to argue for funding and excellent conditions of work for university staff - that is where my interest lies as a university staff member. It is that simple really.


(Whether or not there is a massive budget surplus is neither here nor there with regard to the amalgamation proposal.)

I think that any analysis of salary movements - as well as conditions of work - between polytechnic staff and university staff - whether general or academic - will show that AUS has done much better by its general staff members (& academic) than ASTE has for its members. And that is because our paid officials and activists can concentrate on doing what they do best - working for the benefit of university staff.

As for how the vote will be counted? Well, if it is unfair there are no doubt ways that the process can be reviewed...

Me? I think that Helen (Kissell) has got it exactly right and I'm voting NO.

Mary Cain
Information Services
Law Library