AN OPEN LETTER FROM ASSOCIATE TUTORS TO THE UNIVERSITY

This letter was written by Associate Tutors at the University of Sussex. It details some of their grievances with the university.

AN OPEN LETTER FROM ASSOCIATE TUTORS TO THE UNIVERSITY

As the university acknowledges "Associate Tutors play an invaluable role in
the life of the university" (University website), yet the concerns listed
below seem to suggest otherwise. These arise from the implementation of
the new national pay Framework Agreement; specifically our incorporation as
flexibly contracted hourly paid staff, into the single pay scale.

Given that the vast majority of ATs are drawn from the DPhil research
student population, this can only be to the detriment of DPhil research
within the University.

Our concerns fall into two main categories: i) Changes to payment rates,
and ii) Treatment in the implementation of this new system.

Calculating how these changes affect us all in our own teaching
commitments, several points have become clear, that
- unless a very large amount of teaching is undertaken, this new settlement
represents a pay cut.
- The new Framework mitigates towards taking on increasing numbers of
seminar hours in order to make the same wage as before.
- To the detriment of our DPhils.

Additionally, we are particularly dismayed at the lack of information
communicated with respect to the changes to our pay. This lack of
information has serious implications for ATs ability to plan financially
and to budget.

We demand that there should be an immediate review and change of
- universal and flat designation of our AT roles under the HEAR grading
system as Grade 5. This does not adequately reflect the range of
responsibilities and activities undertaken by ATs
- the 'multipliers' to reflect the work undertaken in the different AT roles
- a transparent and universal rate for marking to reflect the quality and
quantity of work done.

The welcome statement on the AT web pages closes, by saying that "The
University is committed to constantly reviewing and improving the working
conditions of its Associate Tutors. Deans, Directors, Heads of Department
and administrative staff alike are concerned to make every effort to ensure
that Associate Tutors are well supported, treated fairly and with respect."

As ATs we are proud of the work we do and our relationship with the
University, and don't wish to be forced to damage those relationships with
direct action.

SocCul and HUMS ATs