University of Kent UCU update

Posted on by ucuuok Posted in Uncategorized

Branch officers would like to welcome all the new members of the branch – 30 joining us in January alone – this blog is to update you all on some of our recent and upcoming activity.

  • Monday 22nd January – Industrial action ballot results released, strong YES vote for industrial action nationally and here at Kent
  • Tuesday 23rd January – Employers nationally, despite ballot result, force proposal through at USS to slash pension benefits
  • Tuesday 23rd January – Branch president Sian and branch deputy secretary Mark met with Kent Union sabbatical officers to discuss the USS dispute, explain our position and provide material to them to use in communications with students.
  • Wednesday 24th January – Sian and branch secretary Owen met with the Vice-Chancellor and the Director of Human Resources to discuss the dispute
  • Friday 26th January – Questions asked at University Court about USS dispute and further discussion between Owen and VC
  • Monday 29th January – Strikes dates formally announced and notified to the University
  • Tuesday 30th January – Branch officers meet to start local planning
    Wednesday 31st January – Branch officers meet representatives of campus GMB, Unison and Unite unions. Further planning meeting arranged for Fri 2nd Feb. Meeting open to all members announced for Mon 5th Feb in Canterbury and planning for meeting in Medway.
    Wednesday 31st January – National UCU publicises joint statement with NUS
  • Thursday 1st Feb – FAQs from national UCU expected very soon, after which local officers will advertise them and ask national UCU to update/clarify anything that members need further assistance on. We anticipate specific coverage of issues relating to staff on casualised contracts and hardship funds, and will certainly follow-up with local information on these, and many other, issues. UCU has produced a video for members to share with students.

    • Future events

    Monday 5th February – 12 noon until 1pm – open meeting in Moot Chamber, Wigoder Law Clinic

    Tuesday 6th February – Branch officers meeting regional UCU officials for further planning

    Wednesday 7th February – UCU Social, 12noon until 2pm, FREE LUNCH, Worcester Robing Room, Wigoder Law Clinic

    Saturday 10th February – UCU southeast regional meeting

    And much, much more to come!

    We do apologise if we will sometimes be slow to answer email at this time, but rest assured we are on the case,
    Best wishes,
    Owen, Mark and Sian

    Kent UCU Twitter link