No chance to talk

Olga Wojtas (THES, October 14) reported on the findings of an industrial tribunal against the University of Glasgow which found unanimously that two members of staff had been unfairly dismissed because of the "complete absence of proper consultation" on alternatives to redundancy.

Imagine our amazement then, when we read the comment from a Universities and Colleges Employers' Association spokesman (sic) "It would clearly have been better if the union had resolved this misunderstanding by discussion with the university".

We must point out that AUT representatives sought in vain to hold discussions with the university but were given no such opportunity. The responsibility for the lack of consultation lies squarely with the university. There has never been agreement, tacit or otherwise, on the part of Glasgow AUT to waive proper consultation on redundancies at Glasgow University. It is outrageous for the UCEA to suggest that the lack of discussion can be laid at our door.

We trust that in future the university will prove as ready to consult on redundancy and re-deployment issues as Glasgow AUT has always been.

ALISTAIR HUNTER, president LINDY BARBOUR, secretary Glasgow AUT.