With the Marking and Assessment Boycott now upon us, members may be quizzed by their line managers as to their intentions and/or impact on their duties over the coming period.

Firstly, remember that you are under no obligation to forewarn the employer of your intention in respect of industrial action, but must answer truthfully after the fact.  If you are asked about whether you are participating in ASOS including the marking and assessment boycott, you should respond only in terms of what action you have taken/are currently taking, but not answer about future intentions regarding ASOS.

Here are a few phrases that may be useful as responses to enquiries from the employer:

“I am unable to attend this meeting / mark these scripts / invigilate this exam because I am taking part in UCU’s lawful industrial action in the form of a marking and assessment boycott.”

“I am continuing to perfomr all of my normal duties other than those affected by the marking and assessment boycott and any other lawful action short of a strike / industrial action called by my union.”

“This is official action – UCU have informed you it is taking place.”

“As you are aware I am under no obligation to inform you  in advance of my intentions with regard to industrial action.”

The branch will take any incidents of bullying or harassment of members because of their participation (or indeed their refusal to declare their intentions) very seriously.   Please contact the branch as soon as possible to report such behaviour by emailing ucusupport@bradford.ac.uk in the first instance.