approved at the meeting of the Board of Directors of Akava Special Branches 1/2013, 17 January 2013

Position:
A body under the Board of Directors that carries out negotiation and collective bargaining activities (sections 10 and 22 of the Rules of the Union).

Composition:
The University Sector Advisory Board is chaired by a person who represents the higher education sector and is appointed by the Board of Directors.

The Board of Directors of the Union elects 5–10 members and their personal deputy members from among the members of the Union’s member organisations to the University Sector Advisory Board. In their election, the Board of Directors takes into account the representation of member organisations in the higher education sector and the appointed persons’ work in the higher education sector.

Secretary:
The officer responsible for lobbying in the higher education sector.

Presenting officer:
An officer designated by the Union’s office in matters concerning their area of responsibility.

Duties and competence:
The University Sector Advisory Board is responsible for the preparation, management and development of negotiation activities in the higher education sector, and monitors compliance with collective agreements in the sector.

The Advisory Board promotes shop steward activities, communications and training related to lobbying in the higher education sector.

The Advisory Board ensures that the needs of members in the higher education sector are taken into account in the Union’s operations. At the same time, the Advisory Board strengthens and coordinates cooperation between member organisations in the higher education sector.

In the higher education sector, the Advisory Board participates in maintaining organisational readiness in cooperation with the Union’s bodies and persons responsible for organisational activities, lobbying and communications.

In the higher education sector, the Advisory Board promotes communication with the bodies of Akava and its negotiating organisations, the Union’s member organisations and other stakeholders, and takes an active role in societal discussions concerning the higher education sector.

The Advisory Board also carries out other duties assigned to it by the Board of Directors of the Union.

The Advisory Board reports on its activities in accordance with the instructions of the Board of Directors.

Decision-making authority:
The University Sector Advisory Board independently decides on matters that fall within its duties and competence (section 22 of the Rules of the Union).

With regard to industrial action and other matters that fall within the decision-making authority of the Board of Directors, the Advisory Board makes a proposal to the Board of Directors of the Union or gives its consent to the initiation, prohibition or execution of industrial action or other measures concerning the sector it is responsible for.