Salford University Sociology tutor, Gary Duke, was prominent in the staff and student fight against 150 job losses which were brought in to help pay for the University's new base at Media City. He was subsequently charged with `bringing the University into disrepute' and bullying and harassment of two staff members (although there appears to be no evidence of this).
Yesterday, 4th August, Gary had a disciplinary hearing, the results of which are not being announced until tomorrow, 5th August. However, Gary was shocked to discover that one of his jobs at the University, as a Sociology tutor, had actually been advertised nationally since July 17th! And is still being advertised.
"I was assured that the panel was impartial and independent and had no preconceptions" says Gary "Yet I came out of that meeting to be told that my job was already being officially advertised. So how impartial is the hearing and where's my human rights in all this?"
Perhaps Gary would like to take the matter up with the University of Salford's new Chancellor, Irene Zubaida Khan, Secretary General of Amnesty International, and the University's new Vice Chancellor, Martin Hall, also known for his commitment to human rights while working in South Africa.
"Irene has set a high standard of monitoring human rights across the world, and understanding how the principles of social justice affect individuals and their communities" said Martin Hall recently.
Perhaps the two of them can get their heads together and sort this out on their new doorstep…
Stop Press:
3pm 6th August 2009.
The University of Salford has just sent over this quote…
“The job currently being advertised is a temporary position which Mr Duke occupied for a short period of the last academic year. This followed the departure of a colleague and was in addition to his normal role.
Mr Duke was told at the time of his application that it was a temporary position and would be re-advertised at the end of the year. His main position within the department has not been advertised. There is no connection whatsoever between the advertisement and Mr Duke’s disciplinary procedure.”
Stop Press:
3.05pm 6th August 2009
Gary Duke has just sent over this quote…
“The position as lecturer in sociology was offered to me on the same basis as the other position I occupied - lecturer in International Studies on a part time hourly paid basis. The contract I signed was for the remaindewr of the term, but all hourly paid contracts are renewed at the beginning of each semester anyway. This is usual procedure.
I sat a formal interview for this position. One other person also applied for the position but was unsuccessful. The panel consisted of my immediate line manager Leslie Cox and the Head of the Sociology department, Karl Dayson. This hardly appears to be a 'temporary' arrangement.
The assertion that I was told that it was only a temporary position and would be re-advertised at the end of the year is not based in fact. Given the workload involved in preparing lectures, seminars and with all the marking of essays and exam scripts, I simply would not have applied for it on that basis. Financially it wouldn't have been worth my while teaching it for two months or so.
The nature of the questions put to me by the panel indicated that if successful the position would be an ongoing one. Indeed, prior to my suspension, I was informed by my line manager Mr Cox that I would be teaching both modules again in the new semester in October.
Due to the nature of hourly paid part-time contracts, employment is not guaranteed until four years service are accrued. Contracts are renewed yearly. After four years, a permanent contract is then given, but still does not necessarily guarantee any hours. This way they have their cake and eat it so to speak.”
See previous features on the University of Salford job cuts here
and here
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