The University of Aberdeen has announced plans to implement a three-year pay deal for all staff in the hope of bringing to an end the present industrial dispute at the University.
Professor Stephen Logan, University Senior Vice-Principal, has written to colleagues to advise that he will recommend to the University Court that, with effect from the earlier date of June 1 2006, all staff will receive an increase of 5%. This will be followed by increases of 3.5% on August 1 2007, and 3.5% on August 1 2008. In the event of a higher overall settlement being negotiated at a national level, Professor Logan has confirmed that this will be honoured.
Professor Logan said: “This week, at a national level, the AUT rejected an offer, broadly similar to the one offered locally. Given these circumstances, we cannot see an early conclusion to the dispute and I am unwilling to allow this continuing deadlock to impact on our students and staff without a further effort to resolve it.
“The University remains committed to the principle of national collective bargaining but it appears that national negotiations have not borne fruit. As I consider it, the interests of our staff and students are paramount and I have decided to recommend to the Court that, with effect from June 1, 2006, my recent pay offer be implemented.”
Having consulted widely, Professor Logan said he was satisfied that the University could maintain the integrity of its examination processes and has concluded that it would not be necessary for him to recommend to the Court that salaries be withheld, at this time, from those staff who are taking part in industrial action.
He added: “It should be made clear that the University is not imposing this pay award. However if colleagues do not wish to accept this offer, then they have no obligation to do so, and their salary will continue unchanged at its current level until such time that a national settlement is reached.”