Parky and the university strike row

The former chat show host will become the university's first chancellor on Tuesday 11 November and has spoken warmly about his desire to help inspire staff and students at NTU.
 
The union is in dispute with NTU over recognition of the union. Over three quarters of UCU members at the University voted for industrial action in a ballot last month and on Tuesday (21 October) UCU members took a day's strike action. NTU has said it will continue to deal with UCU, but only if the union complies with radically inferior new proposals. Local UCU members have made it clear they will not accept having new proposals that inhibit their ability to work as an equal partner with university management imposed on them.
 
In her letter UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, congratulates Sir Michael on his new role and asks him to meet with union representatives to accept a petition from over 12,000 members of the academic community condemning the university's actions. She makes it clear that nobody involved with the university wants to harm its growing reputation and that the union is keen to resolve the current impasse as quickly as possible.
 
UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'The dedicated staff at NTU feel insulted and let down by the University's actions. We hope that Sir Michael will use his new influence at the institution to encourage the University to sit back down with the union and resolve the issue.
 
'The university's proposals are quite unique in higher education and opposition to them is far-reaching throughout the academic community. Over 12,000 people have already signed a petition condemning NTU. We strongly feel that the current impasse is not in the interests of anyone connected to NTU and we have no desire to harm its proud reputation as a leading new university.'
 
The full letter can be read here:

• UCU letter to NTU chancellor, Sir Michael Parkinson, Oct 08 [51kb]