I NOTE with interest your article on trade unions and universities ("University leaders in row over union snub", The Herald, February 3).
Universities value the contributions of trade unions, to which 27 per cent of university employees belong. All but two institutions have formal recognition arrangements with particular unions, engage with them regularly through joint liaison committees (or equivalents) and discuss a wide range of issues with them both within and beyond these structures, with the remaining two doing so informally.
Our respect for trade unions is made clear in our submission to the Scottish Government's consultation on university governance.
We feel there are already robust and constructive ways for negotiating with trade unions, which we want to see continue, but a move to add trade union members in a representative capacity on the governing body would run counter to a fundamental principle of good governance, and the Nolan Principles of public life, that governors should be objective and take part in governance matters without vested interests.
Professor Pete Downes,
Convener of Universities Scotland and Principal of the University of Dundee,
Holyrood Park House, 106 Holyrood Road, Edinburgh.
PERHAPS we shouldn't be surprised that Universities Scotland, the body that represents principals in our higher education institutions, is vociferous in its opposition to trade union nominees sitting on governing bodies. This is, after all, a group that has benefited disproportionately from the generosity of remuneration committees in recent years. However the arguments they muster show a lack of understanding of modern trade union activities, and present a caricature of trade union nominees that would have been extreme even in the 1970s.
I am University and College Union (UCU) Scotland president, having been elected by members, and a staff-nominated member of my university court. There is no contradiction in those positions; indeed one informs the other and vice-versa. I seek to represent the concerns and issues of staff regardless of trade union affiliation at court and am available to meet with any staff colleagues to discuss court business. My trade union activity provides a means to communicate directly with the majority of staff - something not provided by my employer. Good governance is improved by such transparency and openness, not hindered as Universities Scotland would suggest.
Increasing democracy, openness, and accountability are essential for our university sector if we are to see off the threat of increased marketisation and managerialism. Scotland risks losing the very ethos of democratic intellect that has underpinned our Universities without transparency in decision making and a robust defence of academic freedom. Trade union nominees on governing bodies will play a key role in ensuring this ethos is protected and institutions continue to lead the world while serving their communities.
David Anderson,
UCU Scotland president,
6 Castle Street, Edinburgh.
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