CAUT and the Association of University Teachers (AUT) in Great Britain recently signed a reciprocal membership agreement. The two organizations agreed to provide services for members working temporarily in the others' country.

The joint agreement, called the Transnational Higher Education Individual Associate Member Plan, is available to visiting faculty from both associations for a period of two years. Members of CAUT working temporarily in institutions of higher education in the U.K. where AUT is recognized but where visiting faculty are excluded from full union membership will be eligible for complimentary associate membership in the AUT as "associated members."

According to the agreement, AUT will provide information, advice and informal representation, if required, to determine the terms of the contract of employment of the associated members and any other employment issues arising from the appointment.

AUT members working in Canada will be entitled to individual associate membership in CAUT.

"The three-year agreement represents a continuing and closer relationship with our sister organization in Great Britain," said CAUT president Tom Booth. "It provides advantages for members on both sides of the Atlantic."

Booth noted that CAUT is in discussion with other national associations to work out similar joint agreements.

"CAUT members who are planning to work temporarily at universities in Britain should notify us ahead of time so we can advise AUT," Booth said.