Sign in

Chris Downs

@chris-downs.bsky.social
241 followers 327 following 922 posts

University worker in the UK "a teacher's primary responsibility is not to get in the way of learning" - Mark Notturno

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Chris Downs
Sean Wallis @seanawallis.bsky.social · 10h
It is not an exaggeration to say that the Battle of Cable Street was a key moment in history that halted Britain turning fascist and aligning with Nazi Germany. That was certainly Moseley's ambition. History could have been very very different. hansard.parliament.uk/Commons/2026...
hansard.parliament.uk
Battle of Cable Street: 90th anniversary - Hansard - UK Parliament
Hansard record of the item : 'Battle of Cable Street: 90th anniversary' on Monday 14 September 2026.
111
Reposted by Chris Downs
HOPE not hate @hopenothate.org.uk · 7h
Ninety years ago today, Oswald Mosley tried to march his Blackshirts through the Jewish East End. 🧵 He had thousands of uniformed fascists behind him and 6,000 police clearing the way. But the people of the East End got there first.
15668284
Reposted by Chris Downs
University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Our strike action yesterday wasn't the first step in this fight and it for sure won't be our last. Our members, our students, and our community members know what is at stake. And we will all keep going toe to toe with management until they listen to reason.
094
Chris Downs @chris-downs.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
It strikes me it ought be Breapply.
010
Reposted by Chris Downs
Dzyga's Paw @dzygaspaw.com · 02/10/2026
I joined a military charity this summer. A few weeks later, I was watching a sunset near the front line through anti-drone nets. I'm Ann from Dzyga's Paw, and this is what my first trip east felt like 🧵
1211
Reposted by Chris Downs
UNISON Manchester Metropolitan University @unisonmmu.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
UCEA confirmed the 2% pay uplift will now be imposed on staff this month. UCEA themselves say "it clearly does not reflect the true value employers place on staff" which we would agree with but it is cold comfort to our member struggling after nearly two decades of below inflation pay offers!
012
Reposted by Chris Downs
Taj Ali @tajali1.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
OCTOBER BOOK EVENTS Also speaking at the following: Rich Mix, London 6th Oct Four Corners, East London 7th Oct Newcastle, One Strawberry Lane, 18 Oct Warwick University 27th Oct Glasgow University 29th Oct
056
Reposted by Chris Downs
Ben Wiedel-Kaufmann @benwwk.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
With the 90th Anniversary of the Battle of Cable Street on Sunday @artukdotorg.bsky.social have published a “story” I wrote about the Cable Street Mural for @unitetheunion.bsky.social’s 90th anniversary book. Photos by Paul Trevor and David Hoffman.... Read all about it!: artuk.org/discover/sto...
022
Reposted by Chris Downs
UCU Edinburgh @ucuedinburgh.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Day 5 of the UCU workers' strike against massive job cuts by highly remunerated senior management. “We are looking at hundreds of job losses, dozens of course closures ... Without even mentioning the removal of opportunities for people up and down Scotland." Jo Grady, UCU President, 01.10.2026
A pop-art depiction by Roy Lichtenstein of a blonde blue-eyed woman crying. Accompanying text highlights the worsening teaching conditions and likely impact on student education.
11613
Reposted by Chris Downs
Dundee UCU @ducuuo.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Day 10 of 26 of our strike action. After the incredible support from politicians, members and students at ours Holyrood rally yesterday, we return to Dundee and our picket line outside the Tower Building. Join us and make the University of Dundee a better place.
0127
Chris Downs @chris-downs.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
📚 ⏬️ It's great! Get yourself a copy. If you've read it, donate a copy to a school/college library via ⏬️ rickardsisters.com/shop/
rickardsisters.com
Shop
010
Reposted by Chris Downs
Sands Films @sandsfilms.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Burnham on Beveridge See William Beveridge in his own words in cinemas and venues around the UK! #themanwiththeplanfilm #williambeveridge #beveridgereport #simoncallow #andyburnham
011
Reposted by Chris Downs
Rickard Sisters @rickardsisters.com · 01/10/2026
This image from No Surrender graphic novel expresses a view from 1910 that is still widely held today. It ignores the structural inequalities that steer women and girls into the jaws of the criminal justice system: poverty, abuse, homelessness and mental ill-health
A panel from the graphic novel of Constance Maud’s No Surrender, a story of women’s suffrage. In it, a prison chaplain smugly pontificates, “Experience has taught me that women who are sent to prison are invariably bad.”
144
Reposted by Chris Downs
UNISON @unison.org.uk · 01/10/2026
Solidarity with staff across all three unions at Glasgow Caledonian University taking action to stop compulsory redundancies and protect essential services students rely on. ✊💜 Unions remain ready to work with the university on a solution that secures jobs and supports students buff.ly/mPb0PR1
buff.ly
Glasgow Caledonian University staff to strike for two weeks over compulsory redundancies
Security staff, cleaners, couriers, accommodation and registry workers at the university are set to walk out over the dispute
074
Reposted by Chris Downs
Rickard Sisters @rickardsisters.com · 30/09/2026
“What happens when you fall out?” people ask us. Here’s how we make decisions- almost always by consensus! We haven’t yet met any ‘artistic differences’ to fall out about. See the thread for how the fly leaves turned out 🪰
172
Reposted by Chris Downs
UCU Edinburgh @ucuedinburgh.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Day 4 of the UCU workers' strike against massive job cuts. “Senior management can stop this strike by prioritizing cuts to non-staff budgets and stopping redundancies that are decimating our university, while leaving those who remain with an unmanageable workload & exhaustion." UCUE co-president
0148
Reposted by Chris Downs
covucu.bsky.social @covucu.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Why everyone working in a UK HE institution should be very worried about "the Coventry Way".. It started here... www.notesfrombelow.org/article/univ... #HigherEducation #UCU #CoventryUniversity
notesfrombelow.org
University Worker Reports: September 2026
by The University Worker // Reports from branches
002
Reposted by Chris Downs
UCU Edinburgh @ucuedinburgh.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
Day 3 of the UCU workers' strike against 1000s of job cuts at the University of Edinburgh. UoE's VC Peter Mathieson earns nearly half a million pounds. Under him, the UoE has acquired over £1billion of capital assets, for which the UoE continues to pay in spiralling interest and depreciation.
Peter Mathieson poses cheerfully next to Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine and their latest £1billion pound capital asset, the Death Star.
01711
Reposted by Chris Downs
Dundee UCU @ducuuo.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The University of Dundee is making over 100 people redundant next month At the same time it is having to explain why it has so much cash that the Scottish Funding Council won’t release £27m of extra funding! Join our strike to rule out compulsory redundancies. www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/business-...
thecourier.co.uk
Dundee University emergency cash paused as auditors probe 'too much money' claims
External auditors PwC are reviewing the university at the request of the Scottish Funding Council.
01114
Reposted by Chris Downs
Public and Commercial Services Union @pcsunion.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
The government is increasingly realising how damaging outsourcing has been, says PCS GS Fran Heathcote in an article for Civil Service World. She says that there are 100s of contracts where outsourced workers get a raw deal. Insourcing is the way forward www.civilserviceworld.com/professions/...
civilserviceworld.com
The government is increasingly realising how damaging outsourcing has been
There are hundreds of contracts where outsourced workers are getting a raw deal. Insourcing is the way forward
011
Reposted by Chris Downs
UCU Edinburgh @ucuedinburgh.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Scenes from the Picket Lines: Day 2 of the UCU workers' strike against the University of Edinburgh's avaricious, exorbitantly paid senior management and their campaign of mass cuts against staff.
13511
Reposted by Chris Downs
University of Nottingham UCU branch @uonucu.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Look, ma! We made the news! Again! Find us handing flyers out on Wednesday and on the picket line on Thursday. Let's show this university what strength means! 💪✊
176
Chris Downs @chris-downs.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
🎬 "The timing of the film could not be more fitting" - @douglasbeat.bsky.social in @islingtontrib.bsky.social For where to see The Man With The Plan (the film the whole UK cabinet should see) check out @sandsfilms.bsky.social www.islingtontribune.co.uk/article/the-...
islingtontribune.co.uk
The Man With the Plan
A new film about the historic Beveridge Report throws light on the continuing importance of his work, as Douglas Beattie discovered.
010
Reposted by Chris Downs
Dundee UCU @ducuuo.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Dundee University is continuing with compulsory redundancies. It argues this is required for the financial survival. However, the University’s cash is so high they may not qualify for £27m of the £40m additional SFC funding. The SFC have asked PWC to investigate. www.theferret.scot/dundee-unive...
theferret.scot
Dundee university might have too much cash to qualify for its taxpayer bailout
The university has continued to argue staff cuts are needed to make ends meet. But a growing cash balance has raised questions about the need for more redundancies, and whether it qualifies for millio...
11421
Reposted by Chris Downs
UCU Edinburgh @ucuedinburgh.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Day 2 of the UCU workers' strike at the University of Edinburgh. The 1,800 jobs UCU estimates will be cut is unprecedented in Scottish higher education. It is happening in the wealthiest Scottish university, and the third richest in the UK, currently sitting with over £3billion reserves.
36662
Reposted by Chris Downs
Sands Films @sandsfilms.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
@douglasbeat.bsky.social for the @islingtontrib.bsky.social: "It would be a good idea for the entire cabinet to go and see it. You should see it too." www.islingtontribune.co.uk/article/the-... #themanwiththeplanfilm #beveridgereport #fivegiants #islingtontribune
islingtontribune.co.uk
The Man With the Plan
A new film about the historic Beveridge Report throws light on the continuing importance of his work, as Douglas Beattie discovered.
011
Reposted by Chris Downs
UCU Edinburgh @ucuedinburgh.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
Day 1 of the strike by the workers of UCU Edinburgh against the manufactured deficit (which is not really a deficit), and against a senior management earning millions while staff disappear and education suffers. Solidarity against this parasitical form of management of our higher education.
26139
Reposted by Chris Downs
NUJ London Freelance @nujlfb.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
"The union strongly encourages BBC workers to stand with us and get involved in the union. Working together gives us a stronger collective voice and helps us fight to protect jobs and programming.” #BackTheBBC Get involved: buff.ly/YrEeKLN
buff.ly
BBC heading for avoidable 'doom spiral' with constant cuts, says NUJ
The NUJ has warned that the BBC risks becoming trapped in an avoidable “doom spiral”, harming both workers and UK audiences, if the nation’s broadcaster continues its regime of brutal cuts.
021
Reposted by Chris Downs
Loughborough University UCU @lboroucu.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Solidarity with @uonucu.bsky.social members on strike on 30 Sep & 1 Oct, as the university's governing council meets to decide final restructuring plans. The 2 day strike will be followed by sustained strike action from 5 Oct-11 Dec, alongside ASOS. More info: www.ucu.org.uk/article/1462...
ucu.org.uk
University of Nottingham staff to strike as Council decides future of jobs
Staff at the University of Nottingham will strike on 30 September and 1 October, as the university's governing council meets to decide the final Future Nottingham Phase 2 (FN2) restructuring plans.
022
Reposted by Chris Downs
leedsucu.bsky.social @leedsucu.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Two events to show unity against the Far Right are happening tomorrow Saturday 26th of September in our region. Gather at 1130 in the Peace Gardens Sheffield and at 1200 at the Bull Ring in Wakefield.
Pink poster that reads 'South Yorkshire unites. Stop the far right. September 26th 11.30am Peace Gardens. It then shows the logos of a large range of activism organisations and trade union organisations who called the event. It then reads 'Whose Streets? Our streets?'A green poster that reads 'Wakefield together against the far right. Celebtrate friends, family and community. Together. Bull Ring. Wakefield WF1 1HB Saturday 26th Sept at noon. It then has the logos of some supporting organisations.
011
Reposted by Chris Downs
Royal College of Nursing @rcn.org.uk · 25/09/2026
No nursing graduate should complete their degree without a clear route into employment. Sign the RCN UK Students Committee open letter to Duncan Burton, Chief Nursing Officer for England, calling for action to improve employment opportunities for newly registered nurses. 📣 bit.ly/45QYwQ8
33% of Band 5 nursing posts advertised on NHS Jobs in July 2026 required experience a newly qualified nurse cannot yet have. This text is accompanied by an image of a laptop and a megaphone. The Royal College of Nursing logo is in the top left corner.
023
Reposted by Chris Downs
Musicians' Union (MU) @wearethemu.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
🗣️ People want theatre and art made by humans At #TUC2026, West End musician and MU Executive Committee member Alice Angliss called on trade unionists to back musicians and support our fight to keep music live in theatre 🎭 Read her full speech 👇
themu.org
Alice Angliss Calls on TUC Congress to Support Live Music in Theatre
West End musician and MU Executive Committee member Alice Angliss called on the Trades Union Congress to support live music in theatre at Congress 2026. This blog post is adapted from her speech.
161
Chris Downs @chris-downs.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Shameful! "On Monday 14th September 2026, the University of Brighton served a formal notice to terminate its Recognition Agreement with both UNISON and the University and College Union (UCU) branches." ⏬️ www.brightonucu.org.uk
brightonucu.org.uk
Home
Welcome to the Brighton UCU website On this site you'll find information about the branch, current campaigns and more. Brighton UCU exists to protect its members' interests, above all to defend jobs...
000
Reposted by Chris Downs
Goldsmiths UCU @goldsmithsucu.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
1/8 Now in our 15th week of indefinite strike action against the next phase of staff cuts, we are calling for urgent fundraising support from across UCU and all trade unions to help us through one of the longest and most difficult disputes in our branch's history. opencollective.com/goldsmithsmu...
opencollective.com
goldsmiths mutual aid - Open Collective
Provide hardship funds to precariously employed staff at Goldsmiths whose employment has been cut or changed as a result of Covid-19 or restructures and who may be further impacted by strike deductions during GUCU industrial action
11412
Reposted by Chris Downs
International Solidarity Convoy to Ukraine 🇺🇦🤝 @solidconvoyukraine.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Meet the people behind the Convoy. 🇺🇦 For Flor Salgueiro Carral, solidarity has to be more than words. It has to become concrete, organized action. She joined the Convoy because she believes that people & organizations can work together, even when they come from different backgrounds & perspectives.
133
Chris Downs @chris-downs.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
#JoinAUnion ⏬️
000
Reposted by Chris Downs
IWGB Game Workers Union @gameworkers.co.uk · 24/09/2026
When workers come together in a union, and fight - they win!🙌 Every game dev deserves a union. If you work in the UK games industry, join our union today: iwgb.org.uk/en/join/game...
0309
Reposted by Chris Downs
Dundee UCU @ducuuo.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Day 5 of 25. It's never too late to join the strike. If you're a member come and join us on the picket line at the front of the Tower Building from 8am this morning. The turnout has been higher than ever, so you'll be joining a successful collective action to save the jobs of your colleagues.
01910
Chris Downs @chris-downs.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Solidarity with colleagues taking strike action at @glasgowcaledonian.bsky.social ⏬️
000
Chris Downs @chris-downs.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
"The @openuniversity.bsky.social previously took swift action when their ads appeared on GB News. Will they do the right thing again now on Talk Radio?" actionstorm.org/petitions/op...
actionstorm.org
011
Chris Downs @chris-downs.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Petition from @stopfundinghate.bsky.social actionstorm.org/petitions/op...
actionstorm.org
151
Chris Downs @chris-downs.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
#JoinAUnion
000
Reposted by Chris Downs
Ukraine Solidarity Campaign 🇺🇦✊🏽🚩 @ukrainesol.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
TUC Congress votes unanimously to stand with Ukraine At our TUC 2026 fringe meeting, PCS President Bev Laidlaw speaking. On right: Ivanna Khrapko, Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine. Chair: UCU exec member Vicky Blake On 16 September TUC Congress, the conference representing the vast majority…
ukrainesolidaritycampaign.org
TUC Congress votes unanimously to stand with Ukraine
At our TUC 2026 fringe meeting, PCS President Bev Laidlaw speaking. On right: Ivanna Khrapko, Federation of Trade Unions of Ukraine. Chair: UCU exec member Vicky Blake On 16 September TUC Congress, the conference representing the vast majority of trade union members in the UK, voted unanimously for the motion from the National Union of Mineworkers demanding freedom for the jailed Zaporizhzhia nuclear workers and reaffirming UK union solidarity with Ukraine.
194
Reposted by Chris Downs
Sands Films @sandsfilms.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
‘The Man with the Plan’ UK Tour has begun! A fantastic opening night at Otley Court House, see the film in Brighton, Liverpool and Cromer this week! #themanwiththeplanfilm #filmtour #beveridgereport #williambeveridge #fivegiants
001
Reposted by Chris Downs
MAKS 26 👀🇺🇦 @maks23.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
❗️❗️This is what the shopping center in Dnipro looks like after the Russian strike
611538
Reposted by Chris Downs
Tata Chemia @tatach.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
🇬🇪🇪🇺 The day 6️⃣6️⃣1️⃣ is kicking off #GeorgiaProtests
22817
Chris Downs @chris-downs.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
📚 This looks like a fascinating event next week at @peoplesletters.bsky.social ⏬️ www.outsavvy.com/event/36584/...
outsavvy.com
"Bye Bye Blackshirt" with author, Mark Krantz Tickets - London - OutSavvy
Mark’s newly published book tells the history of the two years of anti-fascist struggle that successfully broke the rise of Oswald Mosley and his antisemitic British Union of Fascists. Opposition to M...
000
Reposted by Chris Downs
General Federation of Trade Unions @gftu.org.uk · 18/09/2026
This October marks 90 years since East London communities united to stop Mosley’s fascists marching through #CableStreet. 🎭 Talks, walks, theatre, music, poetry & more. 👉 See the full programme: togetheroncablestreet.com/events #GFTU #TheyShallNotPass #BattleOfCableStreet
A historical black and white photo showing a large crowd of people and police officers in a chaotic scene on a city street. Many people are being pushed and appear to be in motion, likely captured during a demonstration or riot. Architecture suggests an urban setting.
012
Reposted by Chris Downs
SelfMadeHero @selfmadehero.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
From the award-winning duo Mary M. Talbot and Bryan Talbot, #LoAnAmazon! The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Mary Wollstonecraft is OUT NOW! 🔗 buff.ly/mG1yxV5 @bryan-talbot.bsky.social #publishing #bandedessinee #graphicnovel #selfmadehero #marywollstonecraft #womensirghts
084
Reposted by Chris Downs
Sands Films @sandsfilms.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Tansy Hoskins spoke passionately at the live political event for 'The Man with the Plan', about the lessons we can learn from the global fashion and clothing industry. The UK tour begins next week: @otleycourthouse.bsky.social, Duke's at Komedia, Picturehouse at FACT, @cromercommunity.bsky.social
001