Today’s EGM was called to update members on recent meetings with management and plans for upcoming industrial (strike) action.

The employer has made some concessions, but we still have 47 members at risk and the employer insisting on a reduction of 9 FTE from Phase Two Academic.
UCU have repeatedly made the point that there is a considerable work for these staff to do – perhaps new work, perhaps work in different programmes – and that other staff will be leaving the university whether via VR, VRHS, resignation, retirement etc.

To continue with an expansion and harmful selection process is not needed and it would be in everyone’s benefit for this matter to be resolved.

Local negations have made it clear that they would be willing to speak to the employer at any time before, or during, strike action if we can resolve this dispute – they just need to make the phone call.

UCU do not consider that the gap between the two parties is that large, it is surmountable if the employer just shows some willing to be creative.

we are all in it together, whatever our job role, whatever workstream we are in.

The clear mood of members was that we must stand together and defend each other, whatever our job role, whatever workstream we are in. Not just for the 47 still at risk, but also the staff in workstreams still to come and those that have happened but may be at risk in the future.

To that end the branch continues with its intentions to take strike action over the next 10 working days.

We will be picketing 08:00-11:00 each day next week. Please come to the Richmond Road Atrium entrance. We will have a rally 11:30-12:30 on Monday 22nd September. (Picket times for week two will be provided next week). You can view the strike pack here.

The branch has also endorsed an increase in the number of days that members can claim from the local hardship fund to 5 days (with another 8 days able to be claimed from the national Fighting Fund). You can claim from the local fund by emailing a scan of your payslip showing strike deductions, your membership number and bank details for payment of strike pay to ucusupport@bradford.ac.uk

It is essential that members give the Executive Board a lot to think about on Monday so please make every effort to attend the picket. Let’s make some noise!

You can view slides from the EGM here.