Here we set out why we want you to vote YES for AMiE. This short breifing explains why the transfer to ATL is necessary, how it will protect and enhance our services, and what it will mean for you as an AMiE member.

Background

As you know, on 1st September 2008 ACM entered into partnership with the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL) to establish AMiE, the Association of Managers in Education. We did this:

●    to be better prepared for expected future FE funding problems,

●    in response to developments in the education sector such as the 14-19 agenda and the machinery of government changes,

●    to help counter the aggressive recruitment tactics of other, mostly non TUC unions,

●    to deal with the predicted increase in casework

●    to provide much needed resources enabling us to greatly increase the number of full time regional officers serving our members.

We were also able to create a trade union structure that brought together senior leaders from across education in the UK to specifically champion their needs.

There is no doubt that AMiE has been a success. We have been able to expand our highly regarded employment services offering confidential advice and professional representation. We have continued to produce high quality publications for leaders and managers including the first in our new How To Survive At The Top series. We have also enlarged our membership base and ensured our members concerns are heard by politicians and key opinion formers.

In light of this, the ACM Council, made up of representatives elected by the membership, has been considering the next step in our partnership. They have concluded that to enhance both our influence and services, and to avoid future financial problems, ACM should transfer its members and assets into ATL. The AMiE section would then function as a separate section within ATL.

ACM members will be asked to approve this transfer in a ballot taking place in June of this year. This briefing explains why your Council is recommending that you vote YES.

Why Transfer is Necessary

Setting up AMiE ensured we were ready to tackle the problems we are now facing in the sector. But this was always going to be a temporary measure. To guarantee our future we need to consolidate the progress we have made.

The number of members seeking help from ACM has reached record numbers. College restructures, mergers and funding problems are taking a heavy toll and we have never been busier. But through the establishment of AMiE, we have been able to meet this predicted increase in demand by recruiting three new regional officers, boosting total officer hours by some 85%. However, should the transfer be rejected, then funding for these three officers will not be sustainable.

For members this will mean

●    The loss of up to three full time regional officers

●    An end to us having a specialist Wales officer

●    A significant  increase in subscription rates

●    More pressure on branch officers to represent members in their colleges

With funding problems likely to escalate, and with the uncertainties that arise from a possible change of government, the last thing our members need is a weakened organisation. To put it bluntly, the stark reality is that ACM’s survival cannot be guaranteed without the transfer.

Services After Transfer

A key benefit of the transfer will be to safeguard our employment services to members. Our team of regional officers will continue to serve only AMiE members, ensuring managers and leaders benefit from professional advice, support and representation. What’s more, the transfer will open up access to ATL’s existing in-house pensions team enabling us to provide you with specialist support for all your enquiries. In almost every other respect the service will remain unchanged.

Our professional development services will benefit from greater resources and opportunities. ATL already has an extensive CPD programme and specialist programmes will be available for leaders and managers.

On the political front we will benefit from the experience and influence of a large education union. This will ensure a strong voice for managers in further education as we face up to a possible change of government.
 

Contribution Rates

One benefit of the transfer will be increased economies of scale. As such, members who are not currently on any special introductory rate should all receive a reduction in the amount of contributions they pay.
 

Pay Bargaining and Recognition

At national level in both England and Wales, AMiE will continue to be recognised alongside ATL. Locally, recognition should not be affected. Previous ACM recognition will transfer to AMiE recognition. Where ATL is already recognised separately, again there should be no problems as the AMiE section will represent managers and leaders separately from the other ATL members. Indeed, we are approaching corporations to clarify the position but do not anticipate many problems. This all means that pay and conditions bargaining should continue as normal.   
 

Maintaining Our Identity

Our identity as a niche professional association and trade union is important to us. The terms of the transfer will ensure that our identity is preserved under the AMiE banner. Indeed, since AMiE was established on1 September 2008, ACM members will have noticed very little change. We intend to keep things that way. We will operate from our existing office, have the same general secretary and the same team supporting you.

Values and Beliefs

ACM and ATL have very similar values and beliefs. We share a professional approach to individual representation, collective bargaining, and education policy.  We both believe in an inclusive education and training service providing lifelong learning, wider participation and equality of opportunity. We both recognise the need to develop the talents of all staff engaged in education and reward them appropriately. And we both strive wherever possible to seek negotiated outcomes to problems rather than confrontation.

AMiE will continue this culture.
 

Policy and Organisation

After the transfer AMiE will continue to set it’s own policies and priorities. It will have its own elected Council, and will provide a distinct and separate voice of managers and leaders within the wider union.

The Transfer Ballot

By law the terms of the transfer must be set out in an Instrument of Transfer. This must point out that the transfer would result in ACM members becoming members of ATL as part of the AMiE section. This might alarm some members, so it is important the reasons behind and impact of the transfer are fully explained.

In June a notice will be sent to each member giving information about the Instrument of Transfer. It is not allowed to express any opinions about the transfer or make any recommendations. The ballot paper itself will ask simply if members approve the Instrument of Transfer, and you will be able to vote either yes or no.

Date of Transfer

If the proposal is approved by a simple majority of those voting, then the proposed date of transfer will be 1 January 2011.

Concerns or further questions?

If you have any concerns or additional questions about ATL, AMiE, or the ballot process please contact your regional officer or e-mail peterpendle@amie.uk.com