UCU’s National Executive Committee (NEC) met on Friday for the first time since the general election, in the midst of turmoil in UK and international politics and crises in post-16 education. This was the first time the union’s elected leadership …
UCU elections: A Pyrrhic victory for Jo Grady as left gains majority of seats
The fourth UCU GS election is over, and Jo Grady is the victor.
Grady argues that she now has a mandate to carry out the policies she campaigned over. The reality, though, is rather different. The GS presides over …
HEC report 14 August 23 – Two steps forward, one step back
HEC agrees to call strike action before the end of the ballot period and launch reballot as soon as possible.
But HEC was also told that this reballot would take five weeks to prepare, which was a shock to those …
In-person Congress returns: democracy, debate and catharsis
For the first time since 2019, UCU came together in-person, in its annual Congress: a three-day union policy conference with delegates from every branch. The meeting included two days of general union policy-making, ‘Congress’, and one day of sector conferences …
Reject the Rubbish Non-Offer – No More Surveys!
Focus on GTVO – Drive up the Votes!
At yesterday’s branch reps briefing, UCU confirmed there was ‘no offer’ to vote on. But, in a moment of sheer surrealism, the General Secretary declared that she wants to make members vote …
Report from HEC: Friday email announcement overturns union democracy
At HEC on Friday 7th October, UCU Left-supporting members brought motions intended to ensure members are at the centre of decision making in the HE disputes, and permit branches in Scotland to decide to take action in the teaching term. …
HEC report 1 July 2022
HEC unites around a programme to rebuild the disputes
The Higher Education Committee met on Friday to discuss the state of the industrial action campaigns over Four Fights and USS. It was the first opportunity for HEC to meet since …
UCU Left NEC report, Friday 17th June 2022
Friday’s UCU National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting was the first meeting of the newly-elected committee after Congress. The General Secretary gave her report, which she also recorded for broadcast.
HE disputes
The General Secretary was questioned on the line in …
Now not Never! HEC report (12/5/22)
HEC met at a crucial time in the HE disputes with a marking and assessment boycott due to start in just over a week. To avoid undermining the dispute by revealing sensitive information to the employers, we cannot divulge details …
TUC 21: Unions must build and make calls for UK-wide action
In less than two weeks’ time trade union leaders from across the whole of the trade union movement will meet to discuss the way forward. The Trade Union Congress will be held online but motions are to be discussed unlike …