Following the announcement of suspension of the MAB and 5 days of strike action, UCU HQ gave branches the option to ‘opt out’ of the upcoming strike if that was considered to be strategically advantageous at this stage of the ongoing dispute.
Under the terms of the opt out, HQ required that branches show evidence of consultation with members if they wished to exercise that right, and accordingly an EGM was called for 20th September at which members were asked to vote on the following motion:
This branch proposes to exercise the option to opt out of the industrial action scheduled for 25th – 29th September. The branch affirms its commitment to ensuring the highest possible turnout in the ballot for industrial action.
There were speakers both for and against the proposal, after which there was a healthy and respectful debate on the merits and disadvantages of opt out; a vote was taken by show of hands.
In addition, and to ensure the broadest possible participation, members unable to attend were asked to vote by email to the branch inbox.
The results are as follows:
- For the motion – 17 + 8 = 25
- Against the motion – 14 + 2 = 17
- Abstentions – 0
The motion was CARRIED (the meeting was quorate).
In accordance with the rules as laid down by UCU HQ, an email confirming that Bradford University UCU members had voted to opt out of the next strike period was sent in advance of the deadline for submission (which was 2pm 20th September 2023).
Committee would like to place on record their thanks to all those who participated in the EGM particularly given the late notice, and for the collegiate and respectful way in which the debate was conducted.
Following the vote, members were reminded that many branches would still be striking, whether in support of the national campaign or more local issues (including punitive pay deduction following MAB) and urged members to consider contributing to the fighting fund in a show of solidarity.
UCU Committee