AUT demands 10 per cent pay rise

* The Association of University Teachers has called for a 10 per cent pay increase next year as the first step towards closing a 36 per cent decline in pay since 1981. The claim, to be confirmed by the AUT council in January, says average earnings have increased in real terms by 40 per cent while lecturers' salaries in the old universities have improved by just 3.1 per cent, in spite of increased workloads. The AUT also wants: a statutory pay review body; at least 50 per cent of staff on fixed-term contracts to be transfered to permanent jobs; and discussions to eliminate differential pay for men and women by 2000.