Last week, colleagues at 58 universities took three days of strike action in defence of pensions and working conditions. They are now on action-short-of-strike (ASOS), with more strike days to come in the new year. At QMUL we fell just short of the 50% turnout required to take action. Along with 41 other branches in … Continue reading USS pension meeting happening this Thursday – open to all
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Reballoting timeline announced
UCU has provided information to branches that will be reballoted to take part of strike action early next year. Queen Mary had a 46.4% participation rate in the ballot over the USS Pensions Scheme and a 47.8% participation rate in the Four Fights ballot. The branch members will be reballoted for both disputes. The timeline … Continue reading Reballoting timeline announced
The results from the USS ballot are in
Over 83% of staff voted YES to taking strike action and action short of a strike, which is a sign of the strength of feeling in the branch about this issue. However, Queen Mary UCU’s turnout was 46.4%. As you will know, UK anti-trade union law requires above a 50% turnout for strike action to … Continue reading The results from the USS ballot are in
Balloting on the USS Pensions and Four Fights disputes has started!
Here are some key dates to remember. We have also updated our Calendar to guide you through the process. Monday 18th October: Balloting starts.Friday 22nd October: if you haven't received your ballot by Friday, then starting from this day you can request a replacement ballot through an online form.Thursday 28th October (5pm): this will be … Continue reading Balloting on the USS Pensions and Four Fights disputes has started!
Letter to Colin Bailey regarding the potential industrial action
The QMUCU Branch Chair has sent Colin Bailey, the Principal of Queen Mary University of London a letter regarding the potential industrial action. Dear Professor Bailey, We are writing on behalf of academic and academic-related staff at Queen Mary University of London regarding the possibility of industrial action this academic year. As you know, UCU … Continue reading Letter to Colin Bailey regarding the potential industrial action
FAQs about the upcoming ballots over taking industrial action
What is UCU demanding from employers on the USS pensions dispute? UCU has made two key demands from employers in order to resolve the dispute, as detailed in the dispute letter sent to the Principal: 1. An agreement to revoke UUK's proposed cuts to the Defined Benefit pension that were approved by JNC [Joint Negotiating … Continue reading FAQs about the upcoming ballots over taking industrial action
Branch meeting happening tomorrow to discuss the upcoming UCU ballots
In the next few weeks UCU will be balloting for industrial action over pensions and the Four Fights (pay, casualisation, equality, and workload). This is in response to the employers’ recent decision to impose unnecessary and swingeing cuts to your pension and the rampant decline in your working conditions. You are invited to a branch … Continue reading Branch meeting happening tomorrow to discuss the upcoming UCU ballots
10 Questions for Colin Bailey on Covid-19 and the return to campus
As the new term approaches, many staff have expressed concerns about campus safety and Covid-19. Some colleagues are worried about the safety of teaching spaces. Others in professional services are worried about an unnecessary return to minimum hours on campus. It is not always easy to raise these questions in staff meetings or with your … Continue reading 10 Questions for Colin Bailey on Covid-19 and the return to campus