Passed at GUCU branch meeting, 15.02.2023
On Friday 3 February 2023, Goldsmiths SMT introduced a new opt-out system of deducting pay for strike days. Under this new system, staff will have to submit a form indicating that they are not on strike. In other words, senior management’s assumption will be that all staff will be on strike and the onus is on the individual members of staff to declare that they are not striking. This move disregards union affiliation and has no consideration for workflow or contracted hours of staff members on fractional, hourly paid or fixed-term contracts.
Goldsmiths UCU have already raised several points of concern to SMT, demanding clarification and questioning the legal standing of this move. We have also contracted a solicitor who has issued a Letter of Pre-Action to SMT demanding that the opt-out system not be implemented. The college has until Monday 27 February to issue a detailed response to our lawyers.
Our branch notes that:
- This is an unprecedented move in the history of Goldsmiths that is a clear tactic of intimidation and coercion.
- By covering all Goldsmiths staff on payroll, this system will disproportionately negatively impact women, people of colour and colleagues with disabilities, including cleaners, security, facilities, estates and IT staff who are not involved in UCU’s current disputes.
Our branch believes that:
- This is being pursued instead of resolving the ongoing administrative chaos that has resulted in excessive delays to staff pay and contracts – urgent issues that are a consequence of the restructure – that Goldsmiths’ management continue to fail to address.
- This system has, at best, dubious legality.
- The statutory law relating to declaring strike days does not stipulate any timeframe for declarations, nor are we obliged to use the system or process imposed by our employer.
Our branch resolves:
- To formally adopt a position of non-compliance to the college’s new opt-out system.
- To support any member who is erroneously deducted in May or June to immediately recoup their pay.
- To ensure quick and easy access to our local hardship fund, as well as organising surgeries to help members understand their payslips and submit claims to the national fighting fund.