The branch has formal links with the University through the Joint Consultative Committee, which discusses academic and financial matters, and the Joint Safety Advisory Committee. Oxford AUT also provides a service for members who have individual issues and queries on which they would like assistance. This is done on a confidential basis and matters that arise with the University seldom become public knowledge. For the most part, the answer to queries is usually straightforward and issues that we persue are usually satisfactorily settled. During term time, we deal with about one query or issue a week and usually talk face to face with the individual concerned as the first stage in resolving matters.
Most problems relate to pay and conditions of work, especially contracts of employment.