ScoobyDoo555

This should raise some emotions

Whilst I'm not in favour of the excessive reaction taken by these lecturers, what disappoints me more is the TOTAL lack of public support and general ignorance (fuelled by myths and rumours)for a very difficult and at times stressful vocation.
Until the public can actually experience this first hand, they shouldn't comment.
I am a Further Education lecturer. I work very hard. This myth of long holidays and high pay is laughable as I enjoy neither. I ask this question, "Why shouldn't I be entitled to the same rate of pay as my private sector peers?" (The fact that outside of work, I run my own Production company has nothing to do with it - this runs as a staff-training concern!! )

I'm doing the same job, only training/qualifying the future employees of this country. All I'm asking for is to be treated equally.

Dan

boxst

Hello

It depends on what you are teaching. If someone is teaching something that is worthwhile and has value in the world then they should have equivalent pay to someone actually doing the job.

When I looked at being a lecturer, the salary was based on service and bands irrespective of the subject taught. I could get nearly 3 times more in the private sector.

Steve

OllyK

The "freedom" you have within higher education to forward research projects and write books and articles for journals, to undertake paid lecture tours etc would be somewhat curtailed in a private enterprise, or the company would gain the benefits. As I understand it, this is an area where HE lecturers can make significant additional income if they so choose.

ScoobyDoo555

I actually agree with what you're saying, but it's very difficult to define what "is worthwhile and has value in the worlds"

Dan

OllyK

There are some no-brainers though. Anybody lecturing on a degree course in "David Beckham" should be fined, never mind paid a salary.

ScoobyDoo555

I hadn't even contemplated this (as I'm in FE, we don't enjoy these perks, as we're actually working!!)

Good point though.

Dan

ScoobyDoo555

LMAO!!!

Agreed.

Dan

ReallyReallyGoodMeat

Definition of something that is NOT a worthwhile pursuit:

Media Studies Lecturer, Sociology lecturer, TV Studies, Beauty Therapy, etc.

ScoobyDoo555

Ah ha, but in who's opinion?

Dan

Alas

Neither agree on disagree with your issue but why should people not be allowed to comment on something they have'nt experienced first hand. I talk about professional football, boxing, politics etc all the time but by your reasoning I shouldn't be allowed to

boxst

Hello

Well, we are talking about worth as in someone wants to pay you to do it in the real world. I think that specialising in history is a great thing for example, but I wouldn't pay that lecturer anywhere near what I would pay someone who teaches Architecture, Computers, all Medical fields etc ...

Steve

ScoobyDoo555

yes, but your referring to subject matter rather than an actual job. It is very difficult to comment critically about a job that you have no experience of, because there is no credence or background........

Just like I wouldn't comment about say, an IT consultants job, as I know of info about the job, but I've never done it....

Dan

ScoobyDoo555

Interesting. Without getting into the sociology aspect, I can neither agree nor disagree.

Dan

CooperS

Just gone past a load of them outside Hallam uni, sat outside with sandwich boards and placards

Richard_P

I don't understand the "we can get more in the private sector" complaint. If so then go get it.

You'd be doing a completely different type of work so how can the salaries be comparable?

I can understand lecturers striking as they can and it could be effective but the more money in industry argument doesn't work by my logic.

ScoobyDoo555

I think your arguement in general is accurate Richard, but particularly in my sector, my job is the same, and in fact more work than I would be doing in industry. This, I don't mind, as I get to work a more regular day rather than the 18-hour days I'd be working in the private sector. So, IMO, it amost evens out. However, it doesn't take into account the pay difference.

Dan

Richard_P

I'm looking at it from a university lecturers perspective as I'm at uni.

If you like the job you're doing and don't want to go into industry then you'll just have to keep your fingers crossed for the rise It'll probably happen.

A lot of people work in indursty and don't make more than a lecturer, probably even more true up in Scotland where I am, as I assume the lecturers pay is the same but industry pay will be less.

SiDHEaD

One of my gf's lecturers is striking today, luckily for her as she had a presentation to do which she was dreading!

XRS

The decline in lecturers’ pay relative to the private sector has been going on gradually over the last 30 years. People work at universities for a variety of reasons – some altruistic, some with an eye on a BIG income. When I worked at a university 20 years ago it was clear that for many lecturers their salary was just a nice base from which they could go out and earn many times more in consultancy.

Having said that, there are subjects where the opportunities for commercial exploitation of their knowledge are not so readily available, so we do need to ensure that if we want to maintain our academic profile we have to pay a living wage.

ps If j.r-xrs is reading this - I hope the hangover isn't too bad, and that you've got plenty to be getting on with while your lecturers are on strike

ScoobyDoo555

Just had it pointed out to me, surely you'd pay more for expertise.....

He argued that those who impart the knowledge are there because they are usually at the top of their game....

Interesting point of view (albeit slightly arrogant!)

Dan

stevem2k

ooo , funny .

I've taken and been on too many expensive courses where the lecturer/trainer has known little more than the documentation in front of them...


Steve

ScoobyDoo555

LOL - me too. I can't help but get wound up, and then play up

Dan