There’s pages and pages we could write about this subject. This is a brief summary of our thinking at this point in time, Friday 11th September. What we’ve been doing Over the last few months, we’ve attended multiple safety meetings and discussions about what a safe return to campus teaching and research looks like. Our branch is very aware of…
A-level results: A different level of chaos
The fiasco of A-level results this week has, in the words of the Vice Chancellor, introduced “a different level of chaos, which we need to work out.” On the one hand, the government U-turn to award students’ A-level results based on the assessments of their teachers, will, theoretically mean more students in the system to enter higher education this year,…
National Survey of Higher Education Members
This is the latest survey of all UNISON’s members working in universities. it aims to capture information about how you’re feeling and what you want your trade union to prioritise nationally. Please take a few minutes to complete it. There’s the usual prize draw opportunity for those who do. Take the survey now
August 2020 pay offer – 0%!!
Trade unions in higher education have received the initial offer from UCEA (the employers’ organisation) for a pay rise due in August. It’s nothing. So apart from adjustments at the bottom of the pay scale to maintain paying at least the National Living Wage, an “increase” of nothing represents a further real terms pay cut for higher education workers. Of…
On-line Unionlearn Courses and Webinars
Members may be interested in this: https://www.unionlearn.org.uk/event/2020/you-your-kids-and-online-safety If you’re interested, it’s worth looking at Unionlearn’s website, which has a load of courses and learing opportunities available to trade union members: Unionlearn is the learning and skills organisation of the Trades Union Congress (TUC). Unionlearn works to assist unions in the delivery of learning opportunities for their members, as well…
Return to work?
There has, inevitably, been much discussion about what a return to work might look like. Some of our members have never been away of course, providing essential services (payroll, security, student support, equipment maintenance and delivery etc.), while many of us have been trying to carry on from home, dealing with multiple problems. As it stands, heads of schools and…
UNISON and post Covid-19
A Post-Covid19 recovery should prioritise people and the environment over profit, tackling the climate crisis at the same time. It will be a complex task encompassing many social, economic and ecological factors. Higher education is part of this large puzzle and the picture we should all be aiming to build is one of a fair and inclusive society, one that…
Campaign for Higher Education, part 3
Our campaign continues with an on-line meeting on Zoom: 5.30pm, Thursday 14th May John McDonnell MP Kath Owen (UNISON NEC, personal capacity) Stefan Simms (NEU National Executive, personal capacity) Zoom meeting code is 899 5733 8736 More details on Facebook. The meeting will discuss the crisis facing universities and what we can do about it, and also the issues…
Campaign for Higher Education, part 2
You’ve signed the petition, now write to your MP. I have. It only took me a few minutes and she sent me a standard response within a day, but you can do the same. If your MP is less inclined to churn out a press release about how great the government’s (non) response to this crisis is, then you might…