Unions fight for observatories

UNION leaders at Britain's two royal observatories say they will not accept the closure of either historic centre without a fight, writes Julia Hinde.

The governing council of the Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council met this week to discuss a confidential report on the future of the Royal Greenwich Observatory at Cambridge and the Royal Observatory Edinburgh.

But meetings planned between PPARC and the directors and union representatives of the observatories to discuss the results of the long-awaited review were cancelled at short notice after, it is believed, PPARC learned that it must first consult Government ministers.

If accepted, the internal review could result in up to 100 job cuts. As The THES went to press the review's outcome remained secret.

However it is believed that PPARC council is likely to back a 1995 review and agree the transfer of technical resources from the Royal Greenwich Observatory at Cambridge to the Royal Observatory at Edinburgh. Such a transfer would leave only limited observatory activity at Royal Greenwich, whose future, particularly at its large Cambridge base, would come under scrutiny.

Margaret Penston, chairwoman of trade unions at PPARC and herself an astromoner based at RGO, said staff were demoralised and frustrated by the secrecy surrounding the discussions.

She said the confusion and delay in relaying PPARC's decision to staff came as no surprise. "The time and money spent on reviewing the observatories over the past 15 years has been disgusting," she said. "Some of us are review weary. People are starting to look for other jobs." She added: "We would not let either observatory be closed without a fight. We are all convinced that we are doing a good job. This country just doesn't seem to value science for science's sake."

Alistair Glasse, section chairman of the Institution of Professionals, Managers and Specialists at ROE, added: "It comes as no surprise that the top level of management in PPARC is disorganised when it comes to such things. We have been through review after review. Everyone knows that many jobs are on the line and that lots of people will be made redundant."

PPARC started a review of the observatories this year after the Conservative government's plans to privatise research institutes under the Prior Options programme were suspended. It is believed PPARC's internal review cannot be accepted and implemented until the new Government's view on Prior Options is clarified.

Earlier this week John Battle, science minister, said that a question mark had been put by the Labour party on Prior Options during the election. He added that he wanted to see PPARC council's decision as soon as possible.