Linked to workloads is another issue that is surfacing in some schools about HPLs. Programme Leaders in ADI have been advised that there are to be no HPLs next semester. Some staff are being asked to teach more or to agree to large group teaching i.e., one staff member with 70-100 students for 3 hours in what is called ‘workshops’. This wrong on so many levels but is perverse when considered in relation to student experience. It also does not work for some modules i.e., those that are production based and require access to computers for example. Of particular concern is that pressure that is being applied to some staff but not to all. If there is a genuine financial problem then all within a school should come together to discuss a way forward in a spirit of openness and transparency. This situation is unfair and will result in inequitable treatment for some staff which we must resist.
There is also the serious issue of the rights of HPL staff. We have negotiated for those staff in place when the HPL Agreement was signed to move to a Permanent Hourly Paid contract before, after 4 years, applying for a permanent fractional contract. Therefore HPL staff cannot be singled out for
dismissal as this decision implies; they have the same rights as other permanent members of staff. We must be prepared to fight over this issue as it is a matter of principle and fairness. Please identify any HPL staff working on your modules and ask them to contact UCU for guidance.
Regards
Jacqui
UCU (Docklands) Branch Secretary
