Nov 19
Ballot Results The Kent branch recently returned unprecedented levels of support for industrial action in response to the USS and Four Fights ballots. They are as follows: 53.4% turnout and 79% yes vote for the USS ballot, 53.4% turnout and 74.9% yes vote for the Four Fights ballot. In addition, Kent UCU members have voted …
Oct 14
Our regional rep., Mike Moran, has today sent the following notice of failure to agree to Karen Cox. It is the preliminary stage of a ballot for industrial action in our defence of jobs and working conditions, although we sincerely hope to get these reassurances without the need to go to ballot. Dear Professor …
Aug 23
A complaint has been lodged to USS on behalf over over 3,000 UCU USS members in a letter that can be read here. The text below has been modified from an email sent out by Neil Davies, a member highly active in the USS dispute. The second stage of the complaints process should be passed …
Jul 21
🎉Congratulations! 🎉 You have defended your job and those of fellow UCU members! Our agreement with the University gives UCU members protection from job cuts in 2021. E-Vote Result: Do you accept the agreement between UCU and the university to resolve the dispute over compulsory redundancies in 2021? Yes: 96% Thanks to your vote in …
Jun 25
Short Summary (TL; DR) Please oppose Option A in the upcoming survey on the USS that management is about to send out. It involves huge cuts to pensions based on an unjustified and debunked valuation. Please complete the HQ survey (previously circulated by email) to indicate when would be the best time to take action as a …
Apr 28
Lines dividing the UCU and UUK positions regarding the 2020 USS Trustee valuation are regrettably becoming clearer. In an email sent yesterday, Jo Grady wrote that, rather than attempt to pressure the trustees into reforming their reverse-engineered and unjustified valuation, UUK ‘is proposing massive cuts to USS members’ retirement benefits and is consulting [our employers] …
Apr 12
On Wednesday 7th April, Chris attended a sub-JSNCC meeting with Richard Reece, Martin Atkinson, Louise Naylor and Daniel Clarke in order to discuss plans for Autumn term 2021-22 teaching. At the meeting, Richard presented a .pptx that contained a range of plans that were to be put to EG today (Monday 12.4.21). Richard requested that …
Mar 30
In December 2020, branch officers undertook a survey of members in order to assess the impact of the transition towards blended learning on staff workload. Taking into account both qualitative and quantitative data from both professional services and academic members of staff, officers then compiled an analytical report and eight recommendations for the University to …
Mar 29
Following the outstanding result of our e-ballot, the Kent UCU branch has launched our local postal ballot against compulsory redundancies. The branch has one simple demand of senior management: rule out compulsory redundancies in 2021. That is why the branch committee & reps are asking you to vote YES to strike action and YES to action short …
Jul 06
Dear UCU members, As promised last Friday, this email will provide you with details of UCU’s alternative proposals to those offered by management. It contains our proposals to respond to the financial shock of Covid-19 as well as key points for negotiation to achieve a more progressive approach to cost saving. It sets a priority both …