UCU Newcastle University branch notes:
- That we are in a period of job losses across the sector. In many cases job losses begin with casualised colleagues. Over 70 institutions reporting some form of job losses through mechanisms such as ending fixed term contracts, revoking hourly pay or voluntary redundancies / enhanced retirement.
- We have recently faced compulsory redundancies here at Newcastle in Faculty of Medical Sciences and the closure of London Campus. Both at Newcastle and INTO Newcastle there have been voluntary severance
UCU Newcastle University branch Believes
- The UK Higher Education is in crisis. This crisis is caused by the marketisation of education and the unsustainable reliance upon international student recruitment. The calls from UCEA and Russell Group to increase tuition fees indicate a bankruptcy of ideas amongst university executives.
- Where branches have been successful in fighting job losses, this has not been through negotiation alone. Detailed rebuttal of employer’s rationale and procedures, combined with grassroots action, solidarity with other branches, representation in all parts of the institution, joint work with students and other unions, solidarity across branches and local industrial action strategies.
- The branch must grow our organising capacity by holding regular section meetings, encouraging all members to consider joining vacant committee positions or becoming reps. All members should continue to communicate with colleagues both within and without union meetings and encourage membership.
UCU Newcastle University branch Resolves
- To instruct the UCU Newcastle branch committee to demand from University Executive Board (UEB):
- That the proposed cuts will lead to no job losses. To enter into formal dispute with the employer in the event no such guarantee is given.
- To provide full and clear reporting on the financial situation for purposes of cross-union scrutiny by reps and members.
- That all campus unions be invited to negotiate the definition of ‘business critical’.
- A commitment to an end point after which the proposed cuts will be reversed.
Motion 2 vote
In favour 94%
Against 1%
Abstain 5%