Tessera

University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · 11mo ago

Strike action is ON!!! Next week will be the first of 4 weeks of striking from our members as we continue to say NO to the compulsory redundancies forced on us by the university for their poor financial choices. #StopTheCuts #SaveHE

QM_UCU @qmucu.bsky.social · 11mo ago

UCU has been fighting employers' efforts to make 100% pay deductions for Action Short of Strike legal through practice since 2019. We're not stopping now that our own UCU Senior Management is replicating the same worst practice. Much solidarity to @uniteucu.bsky.social.

Unite UCU@uniteucu.bsky.social · 11mo ago

Sometimes solutions are easy @drjogrady.bsky.social & @ucu.org.uk Let’s sit down and talk without conditions or threats that damage everyone. It’s time to resolve this dispute. Our statement, with support from the following branch committees:

We call on Jo Grady and UCU SMT to:
• Enter negotiations with Unite UCU without preconditions.
• Stop the threat of punitive deductions for ASOS - this breaches UCU and TUC policy and only serves to undermine all of us, not least those UCU members currently involved in legal test cases against punitive deductions after taking lawful industrial action.

Signed, 25 UCU branch committees (and counting)

Unite UCU @uniteucu.bsky.social · 11mo ago

Sometimes solutions are easy @drjogrady.bsky.social & @ucu.org.uk Let’s sit down and talk without conditions or threats that damage everyone. It’s time to resolve this dispute. Our statement, with support from the following branch committees:

QM_UCU @qmucu.bsky.social · 12mo ago

Drafting a more extensive response, but for now we think that (1) @uniteucu.bsky.social rock [branch position, voted on in motions], (2) that this is no way of treating staff [union position, voted on in Congress], and (3) everyone should read this blog: uniteucu.wordpress.com/2025/09/04/u...

UCU deploys “vindictive” union-busting tactics in attempt to crush staff union

Unite the union members working for the University and College Union vote to take further industrial action with a 76% Yes vote for strike action on a 77% turnout This was their third consecutive s…

uniteucu.wordpress.com

Unite UCU@uniteucu.bsky.social · 12mo ago

We wonder what @qmucu.bsky.social thinks about their own union’s threat to make 100% deductions for ASOS. www.theguardian.com/education/20...

Unite UCU @uniteucu.bsky.social · 12mo ago

🚨 Third consecutive vote for industrial action 🚨 ✅ strike action: 76% ✅ action short of a strike (ASOS): 80% ✅ turnout: 77% ASOS begins today with @ucu.org.uk threatening staff: "We'll deduct your wages." Double standards and vindictive attacks undermine us all. #ReclaimUCU

Jo Grady calling Queen Mary management "vindictive" for making deductions from UCU members taking action short of a strike: Jo Grady, UCU's general secretary, said Queen Mary's senior management had "launched a vindictive attack" on its members, "punishing them for taking part in lawful industrial action" and "cementing its reputation as the worst university employer in the UK" She said: "It is wrong to do this at any time and all the more deplorable as staff struggle to make ends meet in a cost of living crisis."

Screen shot of the article from The Guardian about Queen Mary ASOS deductions in which Jo Grady is quoted

Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)@vickyblake.bsky.social · 12mo ago

Why is our trade union emulating the worst behaviour of our employers towards UCU staff? How many of our letters, motions, attempts to bring motions from lay members pressing for resolution have been ignored now? Solidarity with all @uniteucu.bsky.social #UnionStrong #ReclaimUCU

Unite UCU@uniteucu.bsky.social · 12mo ago

🚨 Third consecutive vote for industrial action 🚨 ✅ strike action: 76% ✅ action short of a strike (ASOS): 80% ✅ turnout: 77% ASOS begins today with @ucu.org.uk threatening staff: "We'll deduct your wages." Double standards and vindictive attacks undermine us all. #ReclaimUCU

QM_UCU @qmucu.bsky.social · last yr.

The List in meme-format: qmucu.org/qmul-transfo...

meme: a man with a mustache and glasses is speaking to a woman with platinum blond hair.
"University managers keep pushing through restructures claiming it will make things cheaper"
"well, did it work for those people?" asks the woman.
"No, it never does. I mean, these people somehow delude themselves into thinking it might but... but it might work for us"

QM_UCU @qmucu.bsky.social · last yr.

Moving towards a trade dispute with the Secretary of State for Education! UCU Congress voted to support a national trade dispute with the government over the Higher Education funding crisis. Motion & further info: lu.ma/a0vv0sjb?tk=... JOIN to discuss next steps 3 June, 6pm: lu.ma/zs6bklhz 🧵

Trade Dispute with Government
UCU Congress delegates voted to support a national trade dispute with the government over the higher education funding crisis.

Unite UCU @uniteucu.bsky.social · last yr.

Thank you to all the amazing UCU branches who’ve been solid & vocal in supporting us. And huge #solidarity to those taking their own action. UCU isn’t one person, it’s its branches, its activists & its members. We want to work for & support you; being unable to properly do so is beyond upsetting.

@ulivucu.bsky.social · last yr.

We unequivocally support UCU staff on strike today! They have been so supportive, knowledgeable and hard working for our branch over the years. We can always count on them to have our backs. It's time to have theirs. Read our branch statement to Jo Grady the GS too. It's time to resolve this dispute

Dear Jo,

I am writing on behalf of the University of Liverpool and Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine UCU regarding the current dispute between UCU staff (members of Unite) and UCU as their employer.

We have been following the dispute closely and we are supportive of the Unite members and see their issues as legitimate and serious.

The fact that these longstanding issues involve bullying, and the unequal treatment of black staff is especially dismaying. These behaviours undermine the core principles of what trade unions are built on and have caused reputational harm to UCU within the wider trade union movement.

The support provided by UCU staff is vital to the normal functioning of local branches. In particular, the support, advice, and commitment we have received in our current dispute from regional officers and other staff has been exemplary. Along with many other branches currently in dispute, we urgently need these staff to be able to do their work in conditions that are equal, fair, and reasonable.

We urge senior managers in UCU to remain in talks with Unite and to resolve this dispute as a matter of urgency, in the spirit of good faith, solidarity and the union values we all share.

Mark O’Brien,

Branch President

@ulivucu.bsky.social · last yr.

Please see our letter to the VC following the Supreme Court ruling on gender definition

Dear Vice-chancellor,
We are all aware of the news of the Supreme Court ruling of 16th April 2025, which declared that sex in the Equality Act 2010 refers to sex assigned at birth, regardless of whether the individual is trans or if they possess a Gender Recognition Certificate.

The Statement issued to the House of Commons by Bridget Phillipson on 22nd April 2025 also stated that trans people must use single sex spaces that align with their sex assigned at birth.
No mention or guidance has been given for intersex people/people with differences of sex development, for whom the sex written on their birth certificate may not match either their chromosomal or hormonal sex, or their gender appearance or identity.
Further, both the Supreme Court judgement and the interim update provided by the Equality and Human Rights Commission allow for the exclusion of transmasculine people from female single sex spaces, leaving this group with the possibility of no facilities or service provision at all. It should be noted that the interim guidance does not represent law at this stage, although it is being presented through the media as having the legitimacy of a legal change.

The ruling and guidance contradict current practice at the University, which allows all staff and students to use the gendered spaces that are most appropriate to them. This right has been enshrined in law since the Gender Recognition Act of 2004 and further elaborated in the Equality Act 2010. These Acts remain law despite the recent developments.
This ruling is in direct contradiction to the basic human rights and dignity of trans, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, intersex, and other gender-diverse staff and students and is likely to lead to a rise in discrimination, harassment, and hate crimes against these groups.
Following a large UCU member meeting that discussed this issue and strongly passed a motion in favour of protecting transgender staff and students, I am writing to you today
to express our concerns regarding the position of trans and nonbinary staff at the University.

The provision of support services currently available for trans, nonbinary and LGBTQ+ staff is noted and appreciated.

However, the impact of the Supreme Court’s ruling is considerable and has predictably unleashed a torrent of negative tabloid comment, hate-speech and personal harassment against trans and nonbinary people in our society. There is also some evidence of this being reflected at the University, based upon reports we are getting. One example involves signage for gender-neutral toilets being furtively removed, and then removed again despite having been replaced. (This has been reported and is being investigated).

In this very difficult climate, it is clear that trans and nonbinary staff need public support from their employer that signals a zero-tolerance policy regarding this type of discrimination, bullying and harassment behaviour.

An immediate problem these staff now face, is that of the toilet, shower and changing spaces available and accessible for them at work.

A clear and unambiguous statement from the University, signalling its commitment to maintaining rights of access and use of these spaces based upon the individual’s self-identified gender, is urgently needed at this time.

Further to this, we urge the University to develop and publish trans-inclusive staff policies that will protect gender-diverse staff at work as a matter of urgency, to maintain the University as a place of support, safety and inclusivity for trans and nonbinary staff.

Durham UCU @ducu.bsky.social · last yr.

Hello, Midgley! Real good pup! @strikedawgs.bsky.social helps keep us sane.

@strikedawgs.bsky.social · last yr.

Strikedawgs LIVES! Making her glorious return to the picket lines: Midgley! Three and three quarters, named after Mary. Likes chicken, messy hair, and scritches. WOOF.

A very good dog, getting fussy from her parent.

Durham UCU @ducu.bsky.social · last yr.

Rally time! Jamie lays it out!

Jamie speaking to the picketers and supporters at the Durham UCU strike rally, the branch banner in the background.

Wil Hardman @wilhardman.bsky.social · last yr.

Full solidarity with UCU staff on strike with Unite. As branch officers we massively rely on their knowledge and support. Please listen to the democratic decision of your members and resolve the dispute now @uniteucu.bsky.social @ucu.org.uk

@ulivucu.bsky.social · last yr.

We unequivocally support UCU staff on strike today! They have been so supportive, knowledgeable and hard working for our branch over the years. We can always count on them to have our backs. It's time to have theirs. Read our branch statement to Jo Grady the GS too. It's time to resolve this dispute

Wil Hardman @wilhardman.bsky.social · last yr.

A safe and professional workplace is what we *all* should expect but especially union employees. Our Liverpool branch motions supporting Unite workers have all passed unanimously. We all support you and are dismayed this hasn’t been resolved yet @ucu.org.uk

Unite UCU@uniteucu.bsky.social · last yr.

Still on strike. Still out of office. Do come along on 1 May to show your solidarity for UCU staff who are striking for a safe and professional workplace. uniteucu.wordpress.com/dispute-over...

MAY DAY STRIKE RALLY

12-1pm
Thurs 1 May
UCU head office (outside)
Carlow Street
London, NW1 7LH

Join our strike rally as part of our Campaign for a Safe and Professional Workplace Culture

Cat Mahoney @catmahoney.bsky.social · last yr.

Solidarity with @uniteucu.bsky.social members striking today. ✊✊✊✊

@ulivucu.bsky.social · last yr.

@uniteucu.bsky.social 💪✊️

Prof Diana Jeater @jeater.bsky.social · last yr.

@ucu.org.uk I am ashamed of my union's treatment of its staff. Please settle fairly and decently now. It's long, long overdue. @uniteucu.bsky.social

@ulivucu.bsky.social · last yr.

We unequivocally support UCU staff on strike today! They have been so supportive, knowledgeable and hard working for our branch over the years. We can always count on them to have our backs. It's time to have theirs. Read our branch statement to Jo Grady the GS too. It's time to resolve this dispute

Lauren @fleurione.bsky.social · last yr.

@ucu.org.uk — evidence that members back our UCU staff on strike @uniteucu.bsky.social

@ulivucu.bsky.social · last yr.

We unequivocally support UCU staff on strike today! They have been so supportive, knowledgeable and hard working for our branch over the years. We can always count on them to have our backs. It's time to have theirs. Read our branch statement to Jo Grady the GS too. It's time to resolve this dispute

Unite UCU @uniteucu.bsky.social · last yr.

When, some months ago, we first posted our members’ testimonies - lived experiences of working for UCU - our employer’s only response was a demand they be removed. No contrition, shame or concern for their staff: just an anger we’d shared them. #UniteVoices uniteucu.wordpress.com/campaign-cam...

“I feel more and more disheartened, depressed and stressed by working for UCU. I am trying to just get on and do my job in as professional a manner as I can. However, this is increasingly difficult... The current working ‘atmosphere’ is dire and makes me feel huge doubt and uncertainty. This has severely negatively impacted my motivation and my job satisfaction in addition to my levels of stress.”

“Whilst off work sick for a protracted period, dosed up with pain medications and immobile I was sent an email advising that my white colleague (also off sick) was to be sent flowers and well wishes in a card from our team.
Nothing was sent to me from the team and it felt like as a black colleague you weren't seen, your pain wasn't seen and you weren’t cared for.”

“[I’m] Ashamed I work for an employer who has such double standards in the way they have treated employees compared to what they say to members… UCU has been very vocal about Trans and Non-Binary issues that affect UCU members and many UCU staff have worked really hard on policy and training – so why should UCU management be stalling over this for employees?”

Unite UCU @uniteucu.bsky.social · last yr.

📣 May Day Rally 📣 We remain on strike. With our employer continuing to refuse to meet for talks, join our strike rally on Thursday 1 May, 12-1pm outside UCU head office, Carlow Street, London. All welcome to show your support for making UCU a safe & professional workplace. #ThriveNotSurvive

Image promoting our strike rally on 12-1pm on 1 May outside UCU head office in London.

Lauren @fleurione.bsky.social · last yr.

I’m not in town today but so glad to see my @ucu.org.uk comrades out on the picket line in support of the UCU staff- incl our own administrator!- on strike with @unitetheunion.bsky.social Our branch calls for UCU Head Office to meet the staff demands and end this dispute. Solidarity Unite! ✊

Photo of a picket outside UCU Liverpool office. UCU staff are holding red Unite flags and are supported by UCU branch members also holding flags

@ulivucu.bsky.social · last yr.

We unequivocally support UCU staff on strike today! They have been so supportive, knowledgeable and hard working for our branch over the years. We can always count on them to have our backs. It's time to have theirs. Read our branch statement to Jo Grady the GS too. It's time to resolve this dispute

University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · last yr.

👇

@ulivucu.bsky.social · last yr.

University of Liverpool / LSTM UCU support trans people unequivocally. Solidarity to trans and non-binary people everywhere. We are working now on how best to support or trans and nb members 🙏🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍⚧️

A graphic of a trans rights flag (white centre horizontal stripe with light pink stripes on both sides and light blue stripes both sides of that) saying 'ucu supports trans rights. Trans men are men trans women are women and non binary people exist

@ulivucu.bsky.social · last yr.

whatthetrans.com/compilation-...

Compilation of Protests Against the Supreme Court – What The Trans!?

whatthetrans.com

Kaylee 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈@littlemacha.bsky.social · last yr.

Megathread of pro-trans petitions on Parliament’s petition website. If Labour suddenly gets hit with debates for a bunch of pro-trans petitions, maybe they’ll realise this issue isn’t going away and they’ve fucked up. I’ll add more as I find them. petition.parliament.uk/petitions/70...

@ulivucu.bsky.social · last yr.

University of Liverpool / LSTM UCU support trans people unequivocally. Solidarity to trans and non-binary people everywhere. We are working now on how best to support or trans and nb members 🙏🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍⚧️

Grant Buttars @gbuttars.bsky.social · last yr.

This is so far from what working for a trade union should look like, don't you agree @drjogrady.bsky.social Time this dispute between @ucu.org.uk and its staff was resolved.

Unite UCU@uniteucu.bsky.social · last yr.

These are not isolated experiences.

“Working for UCU has broken me. I spent the whole of last year very unwell due to the treatment I received from the employer, and I am still in recovery. My motivation has been destroyed completely. None of my work, past or present, is valued, and I know they would rather I was not here and not trying to do good things for members."

Goldsmiths UCU @goldsmithsucu.bsky.social · last yr.

HE is in crisis. Join an online cross branch @ucu.org.uk meeting 10 April 6-7:30pm BST to develop a strategy for a dispute with Sec of State for Ed to tackle funding @qmucu.bsky.social @goldsmithsucu.bsky.social @ucuessex.bsky.social @ducu.bsky.social @kclucu.bsky.social lu.ma/a0vv0sjb?tk=Av7h7B

How to Have a Trade Dispute Over Funding In Higher Education · Zoom · Luma

A cross-branch UCU online meeting in support of a trade dispute with the Secretary of State for Education over the current funding model. Supported by: Queen…

lu.ma

University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · last yr.

And there it is. A shocking, appalling, and deeply disappointing announcement of an entirely unnecessary move from the university. But this is exactly why we have already started organising .

University of Nottingham plans to cut more than 250 jobs

Announcing the consultation, the university said it was a "critical moment for universities across the UK".

bbc.co.uk

@leedsucu.bsky.social · last yr.

We have clear branch policy in solidarity with @uniteucu.bsky.social and are writing again to the GS calling for urgent resolution of this dispute. Uni of Leeds #UCU members if you’re in Leeds tomorrow please visit the picket outside the regional office on St Paul’s St 0830-0930 if you can!

Unite UCU@uniteucu.bsky.social · last yr.

Out-of-office We are not currently at work due to taking part in escalating strike action called by Unite, the trade union for UCU staff, over our Campaign for a Safe & Professional Workplace Culture. Our strikes this week run for 4 days from 7 to 10 April. uniteucu.wordpress.com/2025/04/07/u...

Vicky Blake UCU (she/her)@vickyblake.bsky.social · last yr.

Solidarity with all striking workers. As #UCU Edu Committee Chair I'd chair Cradle to Grave (flagship education policy conference) on 29 March. It's sadly been cancelled by HQ citing @uniteucu.bsky.social strike in preceding days. The dispute must be resolved Please sign: tinyurl.com/UCUUniteSoli...

UCU - End the dispute with Unite and embody the union’s commitment to equality

Dear Jo Grady, We, the undersigned UCU members and members of the community, urge you to do everything in your power to resolve the dispute with UCU Unite as soon as possible. UCU proudly signed up ...

tinyurl.com