Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 03/01/2026Hope has felt quite distant at times for me recently. The story of Mamdani’s nomination, then election, then this ⬇️ continues to blow my mind. Here’s to more courageous, steadfast, gentle, and kind politics in 2026 the world over. 010
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 26/11/2025Good to see you, old friend. Thanks to the BBC News Streams team for having me today and especially all round good egg Will Allott. I’ve got plenty to take back to our students @mybcu.bsky.social. 000
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 25/11/2025I only came third in the #RadTechCon quiz at the end! I’m off up the Emley Moor mast! 000
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 05/11/2025This news has made me so happy. In a city I’ve never stepped foot in, a masterclass in labour organising. 000
Reposted by Peter CrowtherStrike Map @strikemap.org · 20/09/2025Pay cuts are rubbish 🪧 We were proud to support the excellent Brum Bin Strike march & demo organised by @unitetheunion.bsky.social . The support for this dispute is getting stronger. Your move Keir Starmer (c) 📷 @redhen90.bsky.social #StrikeMap #Solidarity #BirminghamBinStrike 02416
Reposted by Peter CrowtherJack @jbb92.bsky.social · 06/09/2025It's also really worth stressing that BCU is not loss-making and was profitable for the entirety of the five years I was there. Changes are being made solely because this is what this VC wants. He'll implement them, move on, and leave a diminished institution in a great city. 021
Reposted by Peter CrowtherJack @jbb92.bsky.social · 06/09/2025www.birminghamdispatch.co.uk/a-new-vice-c... This is an excellent piece. I was at BCU until April (left for another job, not part of either redundancy scheme), the atmosphere was garbage at the time and according to my colleagues has only gotten worse.birminghamdispatch.co.ukBacklash at BCU: the divisive reign of David MbaThe vice chancellor says he's bringing much needed change - and anyone who disagrees can get out of his way 111
Reposted by Peter CrowtherStrike Map @strikemap.org · 25/07/2025SHUT IT DOWN 2 Five sites, one day. Not a wheel turned. Victory to the Brum Bin workers. #Megapickets work, pass it on. #StrikeMap 15620
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 25/07/2025A very early but very worthwhile start of the day supporting the Brum bin workers picket at the Birmingham Perry Barr Depot representing @bcu-ucu.bsky.social, we shut the place down! I’ll take that energy into meeting with management today as 342 staff are still at risk of compulsory redundancy. 020
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 22/07/2025“Warwick is distinctive because it’s real.” Using university funds to pay for an advertorial in Vogue Singapore where an executive is featured in a fashion photoshoot and discusses his legacy is possibly one of the most tone-deaf moves I’ve ever seen in UKHE and the bar was already incredibly high. 04019
Reposted by Peter CrowtherBCU UCU @bcu-ucu.bsky.social · 16/07/2025Professional Services rep and @ucu.org.uk negotiator @pjcrowther.bsky.social reads out a list of the areas affected by cuts and downgrades at our lunchtime lobby of the @mybcu.bsky.social governors today. No to redundancies, no to downgrading, no to cuts to student support! 182
Reposted by Peter CrowtherBCU UCU @bcu-ucu.bsky.social · 10/07/2025🚨 Lobby the BCU governors! 🚨 On Wed 16th BCU governors are meeting for an update on the current review, which has put 342 staff at risk of redundancy & cuts student support in multiple ways. Join our lobby: 1pm outside Parkside Building Bring your solidarity and your sun cream! #SaveBCU 01010
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 08/07/2025Please support @bcu-ucu.bsky.social and sign our petition to stop the threat of compulsory redundancy for 342 staff. chng.it/nKTdm2RCZ7 @ucu.org.uk branches we need your support!chng.itSign the PetitionStop redundancies and cuts to student support at Birmingham City University 044
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 07/07/2025Production underway for the next batch of Join UCU fidget toys for @bcu-ucu.bsky.social’s recruitment push as we battle the threat of compulsory redundancy with 342 colleagues put at risk. 112
Reposted by Peter Crowtherwarwickuniucu.bsky.social @warwickuniucu.bsky.social · 04/07/2025when you and your bestie* accidentally show up in a matching outfit * and by you and your bestie we mean universities prioritising branding and vibes over students and staff 4148
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 28/06/2025A beautiful day in the Black Country today for the Women Chainmakers’ Festival. Privildged to carry the @bcu-ucu.bsky.social with our wonderful Branch Chair @illdoitanyway.bsky.social in the march remembering the courage of the Cradley Heath Chainmakers. 030
Reposted by Peter CrowtherBCU UCU @bcu-ucu.bsky.social · 27/06/2025BCU UCU members 📢 Branch meeting Monday 1pm. Check your email for your link. Come along to build our collective fight-back! 002
Reposted by Peter CrowtherUCU Newcastle University @newcastleucu.bsky.social · 27/06/2025A MASSIVE WIN AT NEWCASTLE UNI ICU 312952
Reposted by Peter CrowtherRhiannon Lockley (she/her) @illdoitanyway.bsky.social · 25/06/2025Rhianwen Roberts, @ucu.org.uk FE policy officer, opens her keynote at the BCU FE conference with a message of solidarity for @bcu-ucu.bsky.social & all affected by the 340 potential redundancies announced. Calls on leadership to take them off the table & to negotiate with the branch. 074
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 24/06/2025Phenomenal work from @ducuuo.bsky.social. They’ve worked tirelessly to save jobs amidst a crisis not of their own making. Surely BCU can see the light and take compulsory redundancy off the table when our finances are in good order? @bcu-ucu.bsky.social 031
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 20/06/2025Absolute legends! ✊ Great to see this as we start a fresh struggle @bcu-ucu.bsky.social 021
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 13/06/2025Please sign this petition for @ucusurrey.bsky.social. We’ve already lost our new professional services colleagues to a subsidiary @bcu-ucu.bsky.social with a weaker pension provision and no union representation. This needs to be resisted at every institution! 167
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 26/05/2025Awful to see the great city of Liverpool suffer on what was such a joyous day. I was in town until early this afternoon for @ucu.org.uk Congress and the atmosphere building was wonderful and friendly. The community they showed today in celebration will get them through this horrible ordeal. #YNWA 000
Reposted by Peter CrowtherUniversity and College Union (UCU) @ucu.org.uk · 26/05/2025#UCU2025 Congress has voted to raise a trade dispute with the government. @drjogrady.bsky.social On BBC Radio 4 this morning our general secretary @drjogrady.bsky.social lays out the stark reality of the crisis facing our sector 12420
Reposted by Peter CrowtherRhiannon Lockley (she/her) @illdoitanyway.bsky.social · 26/05/2025#YNWA #FreePalestine Not a football or sport person, never felt so safe and uplifted around fans as the crowds I am stuck in today! Liverpool ❤️ 36512
Reposted by Peter CrowtherStephen Bush @stephenkb.bsky.social · 19/05/2025There’s always salami left in the salami stand:ft.comFunding for ‘high cost’ university courses to be cut in EnglandEducation secretary says top-up support for subjects including media must be scaled back because of ‘extremely challenging’ fiscal environment 58015
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 19/05/2025Not saying getting active @ucu.org.uk improves the weather but I joined @newcastleucu.bsky.social’s picket last week and have had the most stunning few days in the north-east. 010
Reposted by Peter CrowtherTUC North East, Yorkshire & Humber @tucneyh.bsky.social · 15/05/2025📸 Huge thanks to everyone who joined today’s emergency rally and mass picket at Newcastle University. ✊ The trade union movement stands united behind UCU members fighting mass redundancies. Solidarity makes us strong – and visible #ProtectEducationNow 021
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 15/05/2025As a trainee journalist in Huddersfield I always wanted to get into BBC Look North. Very proud to appear on the programme tonight stood alongside @newcastleucu.bsky.social on their picket today. 041
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 15/05/2025I’ve visited the @newcastleucu.bsky.social picket this morning to bring some Brummie solidarity from @bcu-ucu.bsky.social. Great turnout here. 1115
Reposted by Peter CrowtherStrike Map @strikemap.org · 09/05/2025BREAKING | We shut it down!!!! Today, the Megapicket has shut down the Lifford Lane depot. #StrikeMap 0167
Reposted by Peter CrowtherRhiannon Lockley (she/her) @illdoitanyway.bsky.social · 02/05/2025Our brilliant Professional Services rep @pjcrowther.bsky.social speaking up for PS members at the @bcu-ucu.bsky.social strike rally #BCUstrike 🪧 0102
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 02/05/2025My favourite homemade sign from our picket line yesterday @bcu-ucu.bsky.social. 053
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 01/05/2025Solidarity from @bcu-ucu.bsky.social. I’m a big fan of spoon mic! 🥄 🎤 ✊ 011
Reposted by Peter CrowtherDr Kate Carruthers Thomas @drkcarrutherst.bsky.social · 01/05/2025@bcu-ucu.bsky.social - and nice of HR to show an interest at the rally today ... 😎 183
Reposted by Peter CrowtherBCU UCU @bcu-ucu.bsky.social · 01/05/2025What a brilliant day! Solidarity forever, we are very proud of our branch! 🤩🤩🤩 042
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 01/05/2025Perfect support in the form of ice lollies from the @mybcu.bsky.social Students’ Union. Thanks so much! @bcu-ucu.bsky.social #BCUStrike #1stMay 061
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 01/05/2025Just one out picket lines for @bcu-ucu.bsky.social today. We’re outside Curzon but we’re also outside Parkside, Millenium Point, Benjamin Zephaniah and Seacole. Come and join us! #BCUStrike 092
Reposted by Peter CrowtherBirmingham Trades Union Council @birminghamtuc.bsky.social · 29/04/2025✊🏾✊🏽MAY DAY 🚨BIRMINGHAM🚨 SOLIDARITY✊🏿✊🏻 THURSDAY 1 MAY Pickets - from 8am - 12pm for Bin Workers and BCU strikers (see image for details) Rally 12pm - Parkside, Curzon St, B4 7BD Teachout 2pm - Woodman, B4 7XG, Smoke Room Solidarity Social - Unite, 30 Jennens Rd, B7 4EH 033
Reposted by Peter CrowtherBCU UCU @bcu-ucu.bsky.social · 29/04/2025It’s on! BCU @ucu.org.uk members take strike action this Thursday 1st May. Pickets: - Seacole: 8:30 - 10 - Benjamin Zephaniah: 8:30 - 10:30 - Curzon, Parkside & Millenium Point: 8:30 - 12 Rally for jobs and professional respect: 12-1 in front of Parkside Building Teachout 2-3.30 Woodman 42619
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 24/04/2025A quote from a member at Cardiff in this article says it all: “It’s all right for Langley [external consultant] and Larner [Vice Chancellor] – they’re just visiting. They won’t be in Cardiff when the university has crashed as a result of their ‘experiential and imaginative’ approach." 110
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 24/04/2025It was a pleasure to represent the West Midlands Regional Committee at tonight's inaugural lecture in memory of Agnes Flues. I didn't have the priviledge to know Agnes personally but I know she was a good friend to many activists across the Midlands, both East and West. 000
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 23/04/2025It's 12 years today since I heard work that was completely my own coming out of the radio. I produced a documentary about the Bradford Odeon, which looks like it may finally reopen this year as Bradford Live, it looks beautiful. 110
Reposted by Peter CrowtherBCU UCU @bcu-ucu.bsky.social · 16/04/2025Ballot result is back for BCU UCU. Congratulations to everyone who has worked to support a successful democratic process! Notice served of discontinuous strike action, with an initial strike day called on 1st May. Time for professional respect and job security.media.tenor.comunion power is people power is written in white on a black backgroundAlt: union power is people power is written in white on a black background 05122
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 10/04/2025Yes please! youtu.be/-27a1ugJX8U?...youtu.bePulp - Spike Island (Official Video)YouTube video by Pulp 000
Peter Crowther @pjcrowther.bsky.social · 07/04/2025#UCU members from across the West Midlands region stand in solidarity with @uniteucu.bsky.social. Union staff are a vital part of our movement and deserve respect and trust. 0100
Reposted by Peter CrowtherUnite UCU @uniteucu.bsky.social · 07/04/2025Out-of-office We are not currently at work due to taking part in escalating strike action called by Unite, the trade union for UCU staff, over our Campaign for a Safe & Professional Workplace Culture. Our strikes this week run for 4 days from 7 to 10 April. uniteucu.wordpress.com/2025/04/07/u...uniteucu.wordpress.comUCU staff: on strike and needing your supportDear UCU members, Out-of-officeWe are not currently at work due to taking part in escalating strike action called by Unite, the trade union for UCU staff, over our Campaign for a Safe and Professio… 13222
Reposted by Peter CrowtherVicky Blake UCU (she/her) @vickyblake.bsky.social · 03/04/2025I hoped #UCU would redouble efforts to resolve the @uniteucu.bsky.social staff dispute Instead our own union-as-employer has issued management instructions NOT to use tactics #UCU members have routinely been advised to use *by #UCU* Then this page was deleted: web.archive.org/web/20230218... 1/7web.archive.orgOut of office messagesSuggested text for email footers and 'out of office' messages. 32726
Reposted by Peter CrowtherUnite UCU @uniteucu.bsky.social · 01/04/2025Our picket line at Alpha Tower in Birmingham this morning ✊ 1279