This motion was passed at GUCU Branch Meeting, Tuesday August 15 2023
This Branch notes:
- College intends to deduct 50% of the salary of all staff who have not notified them of non-participation in the Marking and Assessment Boycott (MAB).
- The college has stated that staff must indicate their participation in the MAB for the week of Monday 5 – Friday 9 June no later than Friday 16 June, and will also deduct for 21 to 25 August (five days) and 2 to 6 October (five days).
- That national UCU advice is that no marking and assessment should be undertaken during the MAB.
- That Goldsmiths have put out an advert for external markers to complete marking in three departments: MCCS, Sociology and Visual Cultures.
This Branch believes:
- That any work undertaken by branch members should be correctly paid.
- That if branch members complete marking and assessment work after the MAB comes to an end, they should be fully paid for this work.
- That after the end of the MAB, any return to work agreement should include reasonable time and provision for the completion of marking and assessment, given that staff will have many other ongoing duties during this time.
- That the use of external markers undermines the quality of marking and feedback, as any work undertaken by external markers will be poorly paid, with no guarantee that they will have the relevant expertise and understanding to engage meaningfully with student work.
This Branch resolves:
That branch members will only undertake marking and assessment after the MAB ends if it has been confirmed that any deducted salary will be repaid.