Contract contretemps 3

Roderick Floud's letter omits some facts and misrepresents others. He omits the fact that in July 2002 he told trade union representatives that the "default contract" for academic staff at London Met would be the London Guildhall contract. This position was unilaterally reversed by management after the merger.

He omits the fact that Natfhe's position has consistently been that London Met needs a single contract for academic staff, which should be negotiated and agreed. He fails to mention that ex-LGU staff have been offered the "preferred" contract twice and have twice declined it.

He claims that Natfhe has been consulted. We have not. We have been told of management's preference for the ex-North London University contract, but that does not constitute consultation, nor does the current attempt to impose the "preferred" contract under threat of dismissal.

Greg Barnett
Chair, and on behalf of
Natfhe London Metropolitan University