1) Industrial Action This Year
Happy 2023.
Tomorrow’s UCU Higher Education Committee (HEC) will take important decisions on forthcoming industrial action in our UCU Rising dispute [link], for example, on whether to take indefinite strike action starting next month or to take a number of escalating, targeted strike days; on whether to start our Marking and Assessment boycott at the end of January or in April this year. Other options may also be proposed by HEC members.
Thanks to everyone who completed our branch e-consultation, the results of which we shared with HEC members via a Branch Delegates’ Meeting poll yesterday, as well as with Bristol UCU School, Department and Professional Service Reps. Please contact your Rep for further information.
The results of the Branch Delegates Meeting have been published [link]. Branch delegates have expressed a preference for escalating, targeted strike days and for an April marking boycott.
On behalf of the branch, the branch Executive Committee has also asked UCU HEC to conduct an urgent e-consultation of all UCU Higher Education members concerning members’ preference for indefinite or escalating strike action, a Jan or April marking and assessment boycott.
Decisions taken at tomorrow’s HEC are over the best way to prosecute our current disputes with Universities UK and with the Universities and Colleges Employers’ Association. Indefinite strike or escalating strike action: each has associated risks and associated benefits. Both make sense; both have a clear rationale.
The preference of striking UCU members is the key. Hence the need for a representative, inclusive and urgent member e-consultation, as called for by your branch Exec.
Please note: the branch is preparing for a marking and assessment boycott and indefinite strike action, subject to the decision of HEC tomorrow.