ACM and ATL Partnership Launched

At lunch time today (Valentine’s Day) ACM and the Association of Teachers & Lecturers (ATL) announced the launch of the Association of Managers in Education (AMiE), a joint venture between the two organisations.

The objective of AMiE, which will be run and managed by ACM, is to give ACM members access to ATL services and some 2000 ATL leadership and manager members access to the services of ACM. The launch was the culmination of many months of high-level negotiations between the two unions; and follows unanimous approval from both the ACM Council and ATL Executive Committee.

ACM is the leading trade union for those in leadership roles within further education. AMiE will enable it to continue growing and maintain its independence, while strengthening its influence on the national policy stage, something members identified as a priority in our recent member survey.

ACM members will automatically receive free membership of AMiE, together with a range of additional benefits including associate membership of ATL. It will enable ACM to freeze subscription rates and hopefully reduce them in the future.

This is not a merger but a partnership between ACM and ATL. In the future, if the partnership is a success, then full merger would be an option although this would only be undertaken following a full ballot of members.

ACM general secretary, Peter Pendle, said, “ACM and ATL share many common values and attitudes. This joint venture is really exciting for ACM members. I believe it will enable ACM to grow and maintain its identity, while strengthening its influence nationally.”

ATL general secretary, Dr Mary Bousted, said, “This is great news for ATL members. The joint venture will give ATL members in leadership roles, and those wanting to be promoted, specialist support and advice to help them in their daily roles. It will enhance the support we offer members at a time the union is growing rapidly.”

AMiE’s board will be made up of members of both unions, but AMiE will be run and managed by ACM. There will be little change at member level: ACM regional officers will continue to undertake personal representation for members. At local level AMiE branches and ATL branches will remain separate.

Commenting on the launch of AMiE, TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: “This is an imaginative new form of union co-operation and we wish both unions well in representing all their members through this new structure.”

AMiE will become active in the Autumn of 2008 and regular briefings will be provided to ACM members until then. Questions and comments can be sent to amie@acm.uk.com. Alternatively, please post a comment below.