Industrial action update
Dear colleagues,
This is to provide an update on the national negotiations, following the communication issued on 23 March, which outlined the progress made in respect of the terms of reference for the non-pay elements as well as the joint UUK / UCU statement regarding the USS pension scheme.
As part of their decision making processes, UCU are now consulting their members nationally about both areas and we hope that the outcome of this consultation is positive in terms of noting the progress that has been made in discussions regarding them.
Meanwhile, the University has now received confirmation that, following UCU’s re-ballots, members have voted in favour of further industrial action.
We have also received notice from UCU of action short of strike action (ASOS), commencing from 20 April 2023. In addition to the previous ASOS notified to us, UCU have confirmed that they are calling on members to participate in a marking and assessment boycott from that date.
The University remains hopeful that the further industrial action can be avoided through national discussions continuing over the coming months.
We also remain committed to continuing discussion locally with our campus trade unions on the key areas linked to the national negotiations – the pay spine, workload, contract types and pay gaps - through the Workload Review Planning Group and the Reward Consultation and Negotiation Group.
Whilst we acknowledge the right of staff to participate in industrial action, we are concerned that any ongoing action, and in particular a marking and assessment boycott, will have a considerably negative impact on our students.
A further update will be provided in due course, including confirmation of the University’s stance on pay deductions for ASOS in light of the proposed marking and assessment boycott.
Best wishes
Karl
Karl Leydecker
Senior Vice-Principal