When workplace practice falls short of support for reservists

Alex recalls difficulties arranging university teaching around evening activities supporting reservists, despite the institution's declared commitment to the military covenant. He describes pressure to remain available for lectures after identifying evenings he needed to keep free. As an hourly paid contract lecturer, he felt able to refuse that work. His concern is that an employee whose household depended on the employer could find the same disagreement much harder to manage. The example distinguishes a public institutional commitment from the practical cooperation required in ordinary scheduling.