In this blog, as members of UCU Commons on the Higher Education Committee (HEC), our priorities are to outline our position on the questions that were before HEC on 17 March and to suggest some ways forward. But we also understand that there is significant demand for a clear and measured account of what hasContinue reading “Moving On: the 17 March HEC Decision and Next Steps”
Author Archives: UCU Commons
The Offer, And The Details In
On 15 March 2023 UCU officials wrote to all members in the union outlining a composite offer finalised and made by two employer associations: UUK and UCEA. This offer was communicated to members in a range of ways, but first through a “podcast” format, and then through a more detailed (and harder to find) layoutContinue reading “The Offer, And The Details In”
Strategic Action Gets the Goods!
We are lthe union. We can all help the union to win. We can make a difference.
“Making Employers Sweat 2023” – Some Positive Ideas for Effective Escalation
By: several members of UCU Commons As a union, we face some really big decisions in January 2023. Through a combination of branch meetings, a Branch Delegate Meeting, and any other correspondence it receives, the UCU’s Higher Education Committee (HEC) will be deciding on what the #ucuRising action will look like for the remainder ofContinue reading ““Making Employers Sweat 2023” – Some Positive Ideas for Effective Escalation”
We declare!
Dave Harvie discusses how to make strike reporting a force for disruption against the employers.
The Longer the Picket Line…
Next week, many UCU members will be taking strike action for the first time. Here, some UCU Commons members share what’s worked for them in previous rounds of action: what’s helped to recruit new members, start conversations with colleagues and students, and simply kept us warm (in body and soul) on the picket lines. ForContinue reading “The Longer the Picket Line…”
UCU has a massive mandate: now what?
by: Dave Hitchcock On 24 October the results of two national, aggregate ballot campaigns were announced, and if you’re reading this you probably know the results, but just in case: We have a turnout of 58% (57.8) of all eligible members for the pay and conditions ballot. 81.1% of the votes were YES for industrialContinue reading “UCU has a massive mandate: now what?”
Effective Industrial Action: What Does It Look Like?
This is clearly a crucial juncture for UCU members in higher education, and UCU Commons members were preparing a blog on the choices before us when the General Secretary issued a report containing very serious and substantial proposals for the future of the Four Fights dispute on Wednesday 13 April. We encourage everyone to readContinue reading “Effective Industrial Action: What Does It Look Like?”
UCU Commons Candidates for Equalities Standing Committees
A commitment to intersectional equalities work is central to UCU Commons, as set out in the first of our core values, where we state that we are for equality in all its forms. We are unequivocally committed to making our union and our workplaces trans-inclusive. We are anti-racist, anti-colonial, and opposed to the hostile environment.Continue reading “UCU Commons Candidates for Equalities Standing Committees”
Massaging the Figures on USS: How It’s Done
Are you a vice chancellor concerned for your employees’ quality of life in retirement? Worried that your performance doesn’t match your pay packet? No, we thought not. But you may be anxious about the UCU ballots for industrial action, including the dispute over the proposed cuts to USS pensions. Here are a few numerical sleightsContinue reading “Massaging the Figures on USS: How It’s Done”
UCU Commons 