Don's Diary

Friday
Higher education unions' rally in London - excellent turnout - followed by march to Universities UK headquarters to lobby their board meeting. A new chant is initiated: "One, two, three, yuk!" - based on their acronym.

Saturday
Excellent, if long, day chairing Natfhe's higher education committee. The dispute over pay and conditions is thoroughly analysed and decisions are taken. Enjoy a lovely evening sharing cooking, costs and wine consumption at a "cooperative dinner party" in local community centre.

Sunday
Recovery and reading.

Monday
Reunion for women returners - talented people, re-entering employment. Manage to acquire placement in Cabinet Office for one woman who was feeling a little disheartened. She cheers up. MA redesign meeting - do we dismember the course to meet a professional body's didactic requirements or retain its distinctive features and appeal? We have been here before.

Tuesday
At last the Universities and Colleges Employers Association has got its mandate, which means our national contract is secure in the Bett negotiating structures. We can resume talks on a two-year pay deal. Six hours of talks with the 15 union reps in a tiny room with a large biscuit tin labelled "UCEA Family Circle". Amazed by the patience and skill of Trades Union Congress's Brendan Barber who keeps us on track. Main difficulty lies in persuading the UCEA to take time pressure seriously, but we win through. Now have to see whether Natfhe members agree to suspend "withholding of marks" sanction to allow talks to proceed. Growls emerge from room where the Rottweiler Natfhe negotiators are waiting. To my relief, good sense and good nature prevail and we agree to recommend suspension and to conduct an email and paper ballot in branches.

Wednesday
Fly to Glasgow for the higher education executive of our sister union, the Educational Institute of Scotland, with valuable sharing of dispute updates. Home to aggrieved miaows from cats.

Thursday
Delighted that select committee has taken on board Natfhe suggestions. Set email and paper ballots going in my university. Speak to a few disgruntled activists around the country, who feel the "leadership" have sold them out with our recommendation. Reassure all but one. Attend leaving do for the UCEA's chief executive. Interesting comment from one employer on "macho egocentricity" of personnel departments and damaging effect on our sector. On to Labour Party meeting. Glenda Jackson says:
"There is nothing wrong with performance-related pay." All mortified - I notice that we are, nearly entirely, a room full of teachers.

Jill Jones is senior lecturer in management, University of Westminster, and chair of Natfhe's higher education committee.