Academic salaries have declined relative to school teachers, MPs and civil servants. The shortfall is very serious and in excess of 12,000 pounds at the top of the Lecturer B scale. The general public should be made aware of the whole spectrum of University activity, not just the teaching, and this would strengthen the pay campaign. The economic impact of universities on their local areas should be stressed. The general public have little sympathy for the role of universities or the staff in them.
School teachers have influence with the public because every parent has children at school.
In contrast, not all children go on to university. Of these non-marking of examinations seems to be effective and to get good media coverage. The legal position over breach of contracts was raised. Indeed it was believed the VC was not in favour of local bargaining. The meeting closed at 13.50.