In this Newsflash:
- Bristol UCU Survey on University Finances, Restructures and Protecting Jobs.
2. Avoiding job cuts in CALD (Centre for Academic Language and Development).
3. Solidarity with Turkish Protestors.
4. Long Term Chronic Illness Forum.
5. Bristol UCU AGM reminder 4th June 2025.
6. TUC Events.
1. Bristol UCU Survey on University Finances, Restructures and Protecting Jobs.
At the Emergency General Meeting on 1st April, we committed to survey you about whether and how to contest the university’s approach to its financial situation as set out in the all-staff meeting on February 11th, 2025.
It is important that we have broad support from membership for our key negotiating points.
Please complete our survey here. The Form is anonymous. The survey is open until the end of May.
Bristol UCU Survey on University Finances, Restructures and Protecting Jobs. [LINK]
2. Avoiding job cuts in CALD (Centre for Academic Language and Development).
Bristol UCU is committed to avoiding proposed job cuts affecting 44 academic staff in CALD.
At the EGM (Emergency General Meeting) on 1st April, Bristol UCU resolved to campaign to avoid these cuts. (Resolution attached). Part of the campaign is Bristol UCU’s open letter to Evelyn Welch and Judith Squires. Please sign and circulate: https://speakout.web.ucu.org.uk/save-bristol-cald/ [LINK].
More updates to follow.
3. Statement of solidarity with Turkish Protestors.
Bristol UCU stands in solidarity with our Turkish friends who have taken to the streets in great numbers in the last few weeks, and with the students and academics taking direct action across the country. Turkey is a globally important country in the fight against rising authoritarianism and ongoing assaults against the University as a free institution.
It is also a country with a great tradition of standing up against injustice and for democracy. We condemn the mass detainment of university students and workers for using their democratic right to peaceful protest and institutional boycott.
4. Living and Working at UoB with a Long-Term Chronic Illness: Forum for UCU Members and Non-Members.
***This event is open to UCU members as well as non-members***
We are pleased to invite you to our upcoming event, “Living and Working at UoB with a Long-Term Chronic Illness Forum,” on 1st May at 10am until 11:30am in G51, Arts Complex, 13 Woodland Road.
This forum aims to create a safe and supportive space for colleagues to share their experiences of living and working with long-term chronic illnesses. By understanding your stories and perspectives, we hope to enhance the support provided by the University. Our role as your Union is to advocate/lobby to ensure that this support is in place/strengthened. The details of the event are as follows:
Date: Thursday 1st May 2025
Time: 10:00 am -11:30 am
Format of meeting: In-person ONLY*
Venue: Arts Complex, 13 woodland road, G51
*We are making this event in person only to create a safe space and make sure everyone is feeling part of the event as this can be very difficult to do well in a hybrid event. If this is an issue preventing your participation, could we kindly ask that you contact Emilie (emilie.poletto@bristol.ac.uk ) so we can discuss the best way to make sure your voice is heard.
Why Attend?
· Share Your Story: Your voice matters. This is an opportunity to share your experiences and challenges in a safe and supportive environment.
· Enhance Support: Help us understand how the University can better support you and others living with chronic illnesses.
· Build Community: Connect with colleagues who may have similar experiences and foster a sense of solidarity and meet several Branch officers.
Light refreshments will be provided.
To register please complete the following link: https://forms.office.com/e/1Q7zgdx2Zx[LINK]
For any queries about the event please contact: emilie.poletto@bristol.ac.uk
5. Bristol UCU Annual General Meeting (AGM): Wednesday 4th June 2025 13:00 – 14:00 on Teams.
Please hold the date for our AGM. More agenda items to follow in meeting updates.
Draft Agenda:
· Minutes of the Previous Annual General Meeting (AGM), 5th June 2024.
· Treasurer’s Report and Statement of Income and Expenditure Financial Year 2023/24.
· Election of Branch Officers and Local Association Executive Committee Members for 2025/26.
We’re also looking at options for a social afterwards, around 4 pm – 7 pm-ish. Details to follow.
6. TUC events.
- The Bristol Radical History Festival will be held on Saturday 26th April at the M Shed and on 27th April at The Cube, Full agenda here: https://www.brh.org.uk/site/event-series/bristol-radical-history-festival-2025/ [LINK]
- International Workers’ Memorial Day is on Monday 28th April, 12pm in Castle Park at the plaque behind the church.
- Our Membership and Recruitment Officer Celine will be attending and could do with some help carrying our banner! Get in touch with ucu-office@bristol.ac.uk if you would like to come.
- The May Day March is on Saturday 3rd May from 12pm in Castle Park. The march starts in front of the Church at the top of Union Street (it will be hard to miss the group of trade unionists…)
If any members would like to represent the branch at this march and help carry our banner, please contact ucu-office@bristol.ac.uk.