This motion was passed at GUCU’s Annual General Meeting, Wednesday, 14 2023
This branch notes:
- The MAB is currently exerting significant pressure on the employers.
- At Goldsmiths, there is evidence that the MAB is having an impact across several departments.
- UCEA have not agreed to the conditions UCU has put forward for negotiations i.e. returning pay withheld for participation in industrial action and an increase in the 5% pay offer, and yet UCU has agreed to negotiations.
This branch believes:
- The offer of an ‘interim agreement’ as put forward by the UCU national leadership sends a dangerous signal that we have no stomach for this fight as a sector.
- The fight over pay, pensions and conditions has been a crucial battle for the future of HE, and suspending this fight will be a huge loss.
- Now is not the time to offer concessions to UCEA.
This branch resolves:
- To contact our geographical and UK-wide representatives on HEC to explain the way they voted on key motions at the HEC meeting on Friday 30 June and reiterate their commitment not to overturn decisions made by HE Sector Conference.
- To support and call for an urgent Branch Delegate Meeting (BDM) to discuss the MAB and how we can oppose its suspension.
- To call for the decisions of Sector Conference to be respected and implemented, including for the UCU national leadership to organise a summer reballot, which should begin immediately.
- To write to Jo Grady, General Secretary, outlining our concerns about suspending the action.